Anthropic has introduced a new update to Claude AI : the company's Claude Code and Cowork tools can now remotely control your Mac on your behalf .
When Claude doesn’t have a direct connector for a specific app, like Slack or Google Calendar, she resorts to controlling the computer like a human, using the screen to navigate. According to Claude’s blog: “In Claude Cowork and Claude Code, you can now enable Claude to use your computer to complete tasks. When Claude doesn’t have access to the tools it needs, it will point, click, and navigate to whatever is on your screen to get the job done on its own. It can open files, use the browser , and run dev tools automatically — no setup required.”
See also: Anthropic's Claude AI now answers with diagrams and visual representations
This feature pairs with Dispatch (launched last week), which lets you assign tasks to Claude from your iPhone and return to completed work on desktop .
A video posted by the company shows a user asking Claude to export a presentation as a PDF and attach it to a meeting request while the user is away from their Mac.
“Computer usage is still in its early stages compared to Claude’s ability to code or interact with text,” Anthropic notes. However, the company warns: “Claude can make mistakes, and while we continue to improve our security controls, threats are constantly evolving. We recommend starting with apps you trust and not working with sensitive data.”
See also: Claude Memory: Anthropic facilitates the transition from ChatGPT
Claude AI vs OpenClaw
With this new feature, Anthropic is essentially responding to OpenClaw, the open-source AI agent that went viral earlier this year. OpenClaw runs locally and connects to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, using a “skill” system with plugins to perform tasks ranging from file management to browser automation.
It’s powerful, but difficult to configure securely. In contrast, Claude’s version is more “ locked down .” The system uses a permission-first approach and asks the user for permission before touching a new app. It’s also Mac-only for now , while OpenClaw supports macOS , Windows, and Linux. The new feature is now available in a research preview for Claude Pro and Max subscribers.
See also: Anthropic: Claude chatbot tops US App Store
Earlier this month, Claude was updated with support for embedded visual content that aims to provide clearer answers. Anthropic also released a memory import that allows users to import conversations and memories from other AI providers into Claude (so new users don’t have to start from scratch when switching chatbots).
