In a direct move to compete with the surging popularity of OpenClaw, Meta-owned startup Manus has released a desktop application that installs its AI agent directly on personal computers. The launch, which occurred Monday, marks a significant shift for Manus, whose 'general agent' was previously confined to cloud-based operations accessed through a browser.

The core new feature, called 'My Computer,' grants the AI permission to interact with local files, software, and applications on a user's machine. This allows the agent to perform tasks like sorting thousands of personal photos, editing documents, or even building a simple application by controlling coding tools. Manus says these local functions will integrate with its existing capabilities for managing web-based services like Gmail and Google Calendar.

The strategy clearly mirrors the approach of OpenClaw, the free, open-source AI agent created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger. Since its release late last year, OpenClaw has ignited intense interest, with Nvidia's Jensen Huang recently calling it the 'next ChatGPT.' Steinberger now also works for OpenAI, placing him at the heart of Meta's AI rivalry.

Unlike its open-source competitor, Manus operates primarily on a paid subscription model. The company addresses immediate privacy concerns by stating that 'My Computer' requires explicit user approval for every action, offering 'Allow Once' or 'Always Allow' prompts. The launch follows Meta's late-2025 acquisition of Manus, a $2 billion deal that moved the startup from its Chinese origins to a Singapore headquarters and is under review by Chinese regulators.

Source: CNBC