Anthropic launches Claude Duet to automate workflows for professionals

Anthropic is entering a crowded market with a tool that plugs into more than 6,000 different connectors and plugins. This specific figure highlights the scale of the new application, Claude Duet, which is designed to integrate deeply with existing business software. The platform is currently in research preview for Pro and Max customers who can access it via the web, iOS, or Android after joining a waitlist.

The primary goal of Duet is to serve as a workhorse for professionals and small businesses rather than a general life manager. Anthropic explicitly distinguishes this product from personal assistants that handle errands or book tickets. Instead, the agent focuses on automating professional workflows. It can build daily briefings, create data dashboards, and suggest specific actions based on the information available to it. This targeted approach allows users to offload complex administrative tasks to the system.

A key feature of the platform is its ability to operate independently in the background. Duet runs tasks within its own virtual machine, allowing users to continue their own work without interruption. The agent will only return to the user when it requires specific approval or when it has completed a significant step. This design minimizes friction and keeps the user in the loop only when necessary, effectively acting as a digital employee that works while the human boss handles other priorities.

Security and privacy remain central to the architecture of this release. Anthropic introduced a new classifier that scans every message to prevent sensitive data from leaking out. By default, the system will decline requests to provide credit card numbers or government identification numbers. This proactive layer of defense addresses common concerns about sharing private information with AI tools that have access to various third party applications.

The tool leverages the Claude Opus 5.5 model to power its operations. It can facilitate online purchases through integrations with Stripe Link and Shopify Shop Pay. However, the company has set clear boundaries on financial authority. Duet will not trade securities or move money between different bank accounts. Sensitive steps involving payments always require explicit user approval, ensuring that the agent acts on behalf of the user without overstepping its financial permissions.

This launch reflects a broader shift in the industry away from simple chat assistants toward agents that can execute tasks on a user's behalf. Rivals such as Meta, OpenAI, and others are also releasing business focused tools. Meta Muse includes connections to other apps for small businesses, while OpenAI Dots integrates with professional tools. Anthropic is positioning Duet as a competitive option in this evolving landscape, aiming to capture the attention of users who need reliable automation for their daily professional duties.