Meta Expands Manus AI to the Desktop

Meta has taken its AI startup Manus out of the cloud and introduced a desktop application for both Windows PCs and Mac computers. The new app centers around an AI agent called My Computer, which appears as a chatbot‑style interface where users can type requests and attach files or folders.

When a folder is dropped into the interface, the agent scans its contents, interprets the data, and can automatically create new directories, move files, and organize the material using command‑line instructions. One demonstrated use case involved a florist uploading thousands of unsorted photos and instructing the AI to sort them into categories such as bouquets, bridal flowers, and decorations. The system completed the sorting within minutes.

Beyond file management, My Computer can interact with Google applications and other services. For example, it can retrieve a file from the desktop and email it to a recipient while the user is away. The agent is also capable of building applications and leveraging the local GPU for more intensive automated tasks. Every action, however, requires explicit user approval, ensuring that the user retains control over what the AI accesses.

Manus previously operated solely in the cloud after Meta acquired the startup last December. The shift to local execution means that users’ work stays on their machines, addressing privacy and security concerns raised by experts about cloud‑based AI agents. The service offers a free plan with limited capabilities, while paid subscriptions start at $20 per month or $17 annually.

The debut of Manus Desktop enters a competitive space that includes OpenClaw, an open‑source AI agent that also runs locally, and Perplexity’s Personal Computer agent, which aims to manage entire workflows. While OpenClaw provides greater control and no cost, Manus positions itself as a more refined, commercial product backed by Meta. Users now face a choice between a free, open‑source solution offering deep customization and a paid, turnkey option promising ease of use and integration.

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