New AI tool connects to thousands of apps to run business tasks

More than 6,000 digital connections are now available to users of a new productivity tool that just entered the crowded market of artificial intelligence assistants. This figure represents the number of integrations accessible through the Claude Marketplace, a key feature of the latest release from Anthropic. By linking to such a wide array of software, the company aims to give the new tool, named Claude Duet, a significant advantage in handling complex professional workflows.

The primary goal of this application is to assist professionals and small businesses with automating and managing their daily operations. It is designed to operate as an agent that works on the user's behalf, rather than a simple conversational chatbot. The software can construct daily briefings, generate data dashboards, and propose specific actions based on the information it processes. It runs these tasks in the background using a virtual machine, allowing users to continue their own work while the system handles administrative duties. It will only interrupt the user if a decision or approval is required.

However, the developers are clear about what the tool is not. It is not intended to be a general personal assistant for everyday errands. Unlike some competitors, it cannot book tickets or manage personal logistics. Furthermore, it does not provide a live visual feed of its browser activity, meaning users cannot watch it navigate websites in real time. This distinction positions it firmly in the professional sector, where privacy and specific business logic are often more important than casual utility.

The launch coincides with a broader industry shift toward agents that execute tasks rather than just provide answers. Many rival products are now focusing on business applications. For example, a major tech company recently released a business-focused version of its personal assistant, while another competitor emphasizes integration with professional tools. This new entrant fits into that trend by offering proactive recommendations while monitoring ongoing projects.

Security and financial interactions are handled with specific rules to maintain trust. The system is built on the Claude Opus 5.5 model and can make online purchases through established digital wallets like Stripe’s Link or Shopify’s Shop Pay. However, any sensitive step, particularly those involving payments, requires explicit user approval. The agent is not permitted to trade securities or transfer money between bank accounts, limiting its financial reach to direct purchasing actions.

To protect user data, the company introduced a new classifier that scans every message to prevent the leakage of sensitive information. By default, the system will decline requests that ask for credit card numbers or government identification documents. This layer of protection is intended to address common concerns about data privacy in automated systems.

The tool is currently available in a research preview for Pro and Max customers. It can be accessed as a mobile application on iOS and Android devices, or through the web interface at Claude.ai. Interested users must currently join a waitlist to gain access to the platform.