Meta’s latest creation, VY, has garnered significant attention, with its 24-year-old developer, Matt Deitke, earning a staggering $250 million in salary. However, some users have criticized VY, labeling it “clumsy” and noting that it struggles when used in Google Chrome.
VY is designed to tackle repetitive tasks “with high accuracy,” meaning it can operate without disrupting user activities while they browse. Essentially, it learns from how users interact and then carries out commands directly on their devices.
Despite complaints, some users, like search engine optimization expert Julian Goldie, have shared mixed feedback. They have pointed out that the performance varies depending on the application, with some expressing that the tool does not meet their expectations. “In Google Chrome, it’s filled with numbers, but its prowess shines through when it comes to ChatGPT and content descriptions,” Goldie mentioned on X.
Goldie likened VY to the early days of the iPhone, suggesting it has potential. He said, “It’s reminiscent of those initial moments for an AI assistant. It’s like having an intern—always on and ready, without the fatigue.”
Deitke, who previously joined Meta’s Computer Science PhD program, initially received a “lowball” offer from CEO Zuckerberg. However, when the two met and the offer was doubled, it led to what could be one of the largest salaries in corporate history, according to reports.
Deitke formerly co-founded Vercept, which launched in November with a friend and has since raised $16 million in venture funding to develop VY. Yet, many users still express difficulty in finding practical uses for the product.
On Reddit, one user shared frustrations about VY’s clunky performance: “I experimented with it recently. Some tasks work well, while others remain cumbersome.” Tasks like organizing folders took too much time, and the user found it challenging to navigate the functionalities. Another user echoed similar sentiments, saying it felt technically impressive but lacked usability and convenience.
Technical issues have also been reported on the Vercept website, particularly regarding waitlist sign-ups. “Your site won’t let me join the waitlist. What’s wrong with Macs?” one frustrated user remarked.
Deitke has acknowledged that VY is still in its early phases, recently emphasizing that providing a solid user experience is their top priority. In a conversation with tech blogger Robert Scoble, he admitted, “We’re still very new and young.”
In a recent earnings call, Zuckerberg highlighted the importance of assembling a skilled team, underscoring that investing significantly in talent is crucial given their ambitious projects.
