Manus Launches New ‘My Computer’ AI-Powered Tool that Creates Apps
In Focus
- Manus desktop AI agent runs on personal laptops
- The new tool pushes Meta and Manus’ agents closer to OpenClaw
- Access to the AI agent is limited to paid subscribers
Manus has launched a desktop app that integrates its AI agent into personal laptops. According to CNBC, the Meta Manus desktop app features a tool called ‘My Computer’ that allows its agents to interact directly with local tools, apps, and files inside a device.
Manus’ AI Agent Gets Closer to OpenClaw
Meta announced plans to acquire Manus in December 2025 as part of its plan to expand its AI capabilities and accelerate its enterprise-grade agentic strategy. The AI startup has developed a general agent that can complete complex tasks that require multiple steps. Previously, the AI assistant operated from the cloud and could be accessed through a web interface.
By launching the Meta desktop AI agent, Manus brings the AI-powered tool to personal laptops. This move brings Meta and Manus’ agents closer to OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent that runs directly on users’ local devices.
OpenClaw gained popularity after tech communities amplified it for its speed, privacy, and flexibility. Meta’s AI competitor, OpenAI, already hired OpenClaw founder Peter Steinberger last month in a bid to strengthen the company’s agentic capabilities.
Manus launched the Meta AI agent desktop app a day after design platform Picsart, introduced an agentic platform where creators can hire AI assistants. Creators can access four sets of AI agents on the Picsart AI agent marketplace.
What Can the Manus ‘My Computer’ Tool Do?
Manus says its ‘My Computer’ AI tool can read, edit, and analyze files in a local device. For instance, users can prompt the AI assistant to organize image files in their hard drive. In personal devices, the Meta AI agent can control applications.
The tool is compatible with coding apps and can create apps for users within minutes. Manus plans to expand these capabilities to make the AI agent compatible with third-party platforms such as Gmail and Google Calendar.
While AI agents perform a wide range of tasks, experts have raised concerns over the security and privacy risks arising from their access to local devices. To address these risks, Manus said its AI-powered tool gives users control by requiring approval before performing tasks.
The company offers this control through options like “Allow Once” for a single review or “Always Allow” for recurring actions that users trust.
Manus Limits AI Access to Subscribers
To access the Manus AI desktop app, users must be paid subscribers. This is different from OpenClaw, which is a free, open-sourced tool. Manus is headquartered in Singapore after moving from China where it was founded.
Chinese authorities are probing Meta’s acquisition of the AI startup for possible technology control violations. But a Meta spokesperson has said the buyout “complied fully with applicable law,” and that the social media giant expects “an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.”
The company added that the Manus team has fully integrated into Meta. The team manages, enhances, and expands the Manus service to ensure that it remains accessible to millions of customers who depend on it.
