GoKawiilLance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Claude can control your computer to complete tasks on its own.
The feature is limited to paid plans and Mac users for now.
Permissions and oversight are required to reduce security risks.
Imagine asking an AI to perform a task in which it has to use your computer just as you do. That means it can open files, launch apps, click icons, type text, and browse the web on its own. This type of skill marks the latest evolution of AI agents, and it's one you can now try with Anthropic's Claude AI.
Currently in "research preview" mode, Claude's new computer ability gives it the power to navigate your computer screen and interact with your applications, files, and settings to run your assigned tasks. Just give it a command, such as "enter data into a spreadsheet from the contracts files in my Google Drive, format it, and then save it to a folder," and the AI should complete each step as long as your computer stays on.
Also: How Claude Code's new auto mode prevents AI coding disasters - without slowing you down
The only times you'd need to intervene are when Claude requires your permission to perform a specific action, such as opening an app.
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