The research-preview agent runs tasks in its own virtual machine and can make purchases through Stripe Link and Shop Pay.
Anthropic released Claude Duet, an agent app for professionals and small businesses that runs tasks in the background on its own virtual machine and returns when it needs approval. Duet is available on iOS, Android, and the web through Claude.ai for Pro and Max customers as a research preview, and users must join a waitlist to try it.
Anthropic positions Duet against a crowded field of assistants, including Meta Muse, OpenAI Dots, Hark, Instinct, Grok Bot, and Fo. The company draws a line between Duet and personal agents such as Instinct, noting that Duet cannot handle errands or book tickets and does not show its browser activity live as it happens.
Duet runs on the Claude Opus 5.5 model and connects to over 6,000 connectors and plugins in the Claude Marketplace. The agent can complete purchases through Stripe’s Link digital wallet or Shopify’s Shop Pay, and it requires user approval for sensitive steps. Duet will not trade securities or move money between accounts.
Anthropic also shipped a classifier that checks each message to stop sensitive information from leaking. By default, the agent turns down requests for credit card numbers and government identification. Meta also offers a small-business version of Muse, and OpenAI’s Dots integrates professional tools. The waitlist and preview label will show how fast Anthropic widens access.
What matters
- Duet builds daily briefings and dashboards, and asks users to approve sensitive steps like payments.
- Duet connects to more than 6,000 connectors and plugins in the Claude Marketplace.
- Access stays behind a waitlist for Pro and Max subscribers on iOS, Android, and the web.
Why it matters
Access stays behind a waitlist for Pro and Max subscribers on iOS, Android, and the web.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/22/claude-duet-app-is-anthropics-bet-on-agents/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.