Anthropic targets business users with new Claude Duet agent app

Anthropic has entered the crowded market of artificial intelligence agents with the release of Claude Duet, a tool designed specifically for professionals and small businesses. The new application aims to compete directly with established rivals such as Meta Muse, OpenAI Dots, Hark, Instinct, Grok Bot, and Fo. By launching this product, the company seeks to capture user attention in a sector where new productivity assistants are being introduced on a weekly basis.

The company explicitly differentiates Duet from personal agents that handle daily life tasks. Anthropic noted that the new agent is not intended for booking tickets or running errands. It also lacks the ability to display its browser activity in real time. Instead, the focus is on professional workflows. The system can construct daily briefings, generate dashboards, and suggest actions based on user data to help manage complex tasks.

Functionally, Duet operates by completing tasks in the background using a dedicated virtual machine. This allows users to continue with other work while the agent processes information. The system will return for approval if it encounters a step that requires human decision. This background processing capability is a standard feature among current market leaders, but Anthropic emphasizes its proactive nature in delivering recommendations while monitoring ongoing projects.

The market is currently shifting from simple chat assistants to agents that can act on behalf of users. Many competitors are pivoting toward business use cases to capture enterprise value. Meta recently released a version of Muse tailored for small businesses with app connections, while OpenAI’s Dots includes integrations with professional tools. Anthropic positions Duet within this same trend, aiming to serve the professional sector rather than the general consumer.

The agent is built on the Claude Opus 5.5 model, which provides the underlying intelligence for its operations. Duet can connect to more than 6,000 connectors and plug-ins available in the Claude Marketplace. This extensive library of integrations allows the agent to interact with a wide variety of external services and data sources, enhancing its utility for business users who rely on diverse software ecosystems.

Financial transactions represent a significant part of the new agent’s capabilities. Duet can make online purchases on behalf of users by utilizing Stripe’s Link digital wallet or Shopify’s Shop Pay. Anthropic stated that sensitive steps, such as payments, will require explicit user approval. However, the agent has limitations in its financial authority. It will not trade securities or transfer money between bank accounts, keeping its financial actions within a defined scope.

Security measures have been updated alongside the launch. Anthropic introduced a new classifier designed to check each message to prevent sensitive information from leaking. By default, the agent is programmed to turn down requests that ask for credit card numbers or government identification documents. This layer of defense aims to address privacy concerns common in enterprise environments where data confidentiality is paramount.

Claude Duet is available now on iOS and Android devices. It is also accessible on the web through Claude.ai. The tool is currently in research preview and is available to Pro and Max customers. Access is limited, and users must join a waitlist to begin testing the new features. This phased rollout allows Anthropic to gather feedback and refine the agent’s performance before a broader public release.