The number of downloads of the open-source Llama AI models has reached 1 billion, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced. As of early December 2024, the figure was 650 million, which corresponds to growth of more than 50% in a single quarter.
Llama Models and Meta’s AI Strategy
The Llama family of models serves as the basis for the Meta AI assistant, which is integrated across various platforms of the company, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Meta’s broader goal is to build a comprehensive system of products in the AI space. The company offers not only the models themselves but also the necessary tools for fine-tuning and customizing them, available for free under its own license. While there are some limitations for commercial use, the models have already been actively implemented in a variety of products. Notable examples include their use by the telecom operator AT&T and the streaming service Spotify.
Despite the success, Meta faces several challenges. The company is currently dealing with a lawsuit accusing it of training AI on copyrighted materials. In the European Union, concerns over data privacy have led to delays or even cancellations of the release of certain models. Furthermore, models developed by DeepSeek have outperformed Llama in several areas. In response, Meta is working to incorporate some of DeepSeek’s cost-saving approaches to optimize its own AI training processes.
Future Plans and Upcoming Releases
Meta has ambitious plans moving forward. The company intends to invest at least $65 billion in AI development this year alone. In the coming months, it plans to release several new Llama models, including those with reasoning capabilities, notes NIXSolutions. Additionally, Meta is likely working on AI agents—systems designed to independently perform complex sequences of tasks. Some of these developments may be unveiled at LlamaCon, Meta’s first conference dedicated to generative AI developers, which is scheduled for April 29. We’ll keep you updated as more information about these projects becomes available.