Claude Code can now take over your computer to complete tasks

Key Points:

• Anthropic has introduced Claude Code and Claude Cowork, AI agents capable of directly controlling a user's local computer desktop to open files, browse, and run developer tools when necessary.
• These AI tools prioritize using Connectors to access external apps or data but can request permission to navigate the computer screen directly if no connection is available, with remote control possible via Claude’s Dispatch tool.
• The feature is currently in a "research preview" for Claude Pro and Max subscribers on MacOS, with Anthropic warning that it may be error-prone, slower, and sometimes require retries for complex tasks.
• Security concerns are acknowledged, with Anthropic implementing safeguards against prompt injection and restricting access to sensitive apps, though it admits these protections are not foolproof and advises users to avoid sensitive data during this stage.
• Anthropic’s move follows similar launches by competitors like Perplexity, Manus, and Nvidia, reflecting a growing trend of AI agents gaining direct desktop control, sparked in part by the viral OpenClaw project.