Connectors that help AI agents use outside services are drawing attention as a core technology for a new internet platform. Meta is building an ecosystem that links various services to its personal AI agent Muse, which can handle users' search, reservations and shopping.

Business Insider reported on Sept. 22 that connectors are channels that link AI agents with outside services based on user consent. For example, when setting up a dinner plan, an agent can check attendees' availability on a scheduling service, find open seats on a restaurant reservation service, and then make a booking after receiving user approval. They mainly use APIs to exchange data and functions between services.

The industry expects connectors could bring a change comparable to smartphone app stores. Aaron Levie (아론 레비), CEO of Box, predicted that "personal AI agents and connectors could be a big opportunity in consumer technology since the arrival of app stores."

Meta is testing this possibility through Muse. Muse is designed to take on everyday tasks that require switching between apps and accounts, such as finding the lowest-priced products or buying back-to-school supplies for multiple children. Muse ranked No. 1 in free app downloads on Apple's U.S. App Store on Sept. 21, drawing early user interest.

The key is participation from outside services. Amazon blocked Muse from shopping on its site, citing its terms of service. Shopify, on the other hand, announced it would cooperate so Muse can complete purchases at Shopify stores through the Shop Pay payment service. Even if a user grants an agent permission, functions may be limited if a service operator does not allow access.

Meta is expanding partnerships by opening Muse connector building to developers. Mark Zuckerberg (마크 저커버그), Meta CEO, proposed a plan to receive a small fee from related companies when transactions take place. The idea is that this would allow Meta to offer AI agents for free to most users, but the fee structure and business results have not yet been decided.