Meta/Manus Launches Desktop Agent: AI Takes Control of Your Computer

Meta has launched a desktop app for Manus, the autonomous AI agent the company acquired for two billion dollars in December 2025. The app is available for Mac and Windows and introduces a feature called "My Computer" that enables the agent to carry out tasks directly on the user's computer.

My Computer works by having the user type what they want done, and the agent uses command-line instructions to organize files, move folders, build apps, or connect to Google services to perform actions across platforms. A demonstration showed a florist uploading thousands of unsorted photos and having them sorted into categories automatically within minutes.

All actions require user approval, providing a layer of control. The free plan gives limited access, while paid plans start at $20 per month.

The Manus launch is a direct competitor to OpenClaw, the open-source project that went viral in China and raised security concerns at CNCERT/CC. Manus is proprietary and cloud-based with local execution, while OpenClaw is free and open.

Meta is simultaneously integrating Manus into Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Ads Manager. Inside Ads Manager, the agent can now analyze performance and recommend changes without marketers having to jump between reports.

For businesses, this is a signal that autonomous agents operating on local systems are becoming everyday technology. The question is no longer whether AI can help, but who controls the AI running on your machines.