Meta’s Manus launches desktop app to bring its AI agent onto personal devices

Manus, an artificial intelligence start-up recently acquired by Meta, started A new desktop app debuted Monday that brings the AI ​​agent directly to personal laptops.

The company’s public agent, which can execute complex, multi-step tasks, previously operated only in the cloud and was usually accessed via a web interface.

But a feature called ‘My Computer’ via the new Manus Desktop app allows agents to work directly with local files, tools and apps on the user’s device.

The expanded offering makes Meta and Manus’ agents more compatible with OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent that can also be downloaded to users’ local devices.

OpenClaw was founded by Austrian software developer Peter Steinberger late last year, and its popularity sparked a craze for artificial intelligence agents. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described OpenClaw as “the next ChatGPT” in an interview with Jim Cramer on CNBC’s “Mad Money” on Tuesday.

Steinberger was also hired by ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which represents one of Meta’s main AI competitors.

Unlike OpenClaw, which is free and open source under the MIT license, Manus is primarily a paid subscription service.

According to Manus, the My Computer offering allows its agent to read, analyze, edit files and launch or control applications on the machine.

For example, the company said users can instruct Manus to organize thousands of internal images on their hard drives. It was stated that My Computer is compatible with coding applications beyond file management and that applications can be created in a few minutes.

These capabilities will be added to existing Manus capabilities, which include integration with services such as Google Calendar, Gmail, and various third-party platforms.

While such capabilities are promising, experts have also flagged potential security and privacy issues with allowing AI agents like OpenClaw to access local devices.

Manus said in his post that My Computer will keep users “firmly under control” by requiring explicit consent before performing tasks. These options include “Allow Once” for individual review or “Allow Always” for reliable, recurring actions.

On December 29, 2025, Meta announced that it would acquire AI startup Manus, aiming to expand its AI capabilities and integrate Manus’ autonomous agent technology into products on its platforms, including the Meta AI assistant.

Manus was founded in China before moving its headquarters to Singapore. Chinese officials reportedly It is reviewing the $2 billion acquisition for possible violations of technology controls.