Anthropic Targets the Enterprise with New 'Duet' Agent
The new application distinguishes itself from personal assistants by focusing on business automation, dashboard creation, and proactive task management for professionals.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Anthropic has entered the crowded arena of AI agents with a new application designed to appeal specifically to professionals and small businesses.
The launch of Claude Duet marks a strategic pivot for the company, which is positioning its latest tool not as a general-purpose personal assistant, but as a specialized agent for managing work-related tasks. By targeting the business sector, Anthropic is directly challenging competitors such as Meta, OpenAI, and several emerging startups that are also vying for user attention in this rapidly evolving market.
The company has explicitly drawn a line between Duet and personal agents like Instinct. According to Anthropic, Duet is not optimized for handling personal errands, such as booking tickets, nor does it provide a live view of its browser activities. Instead, the agent is engineered to build daily briefings, create data dashboards, and suggest specific actions based on the user's existing information.
A key feature of the new application is its ability to operate in the background. Duet utilizes its own virtual machine to complete tasks while the user focuses on other activities. The agent will only interrupt the user if it requires approval for a specific step, aiming to streamline workflows without constant supervision.
This release coincides with a broader industry shift from simple AI assistants to autonomous agents that can execute actions on behalf of users. Many of Anthropic’s rivals are also focusing on business use cases. For example, while Meta’s Muse serves as a personal assistant, the company has also released a version tailored for small businesses with app integrations. Similarly, OpenAI’s Dots emphasizes a business orientation through its integration with professional tools.
Under the hood, Duet is built on the Claude Opus 5.5 model. The agent has access to a vast ecosystem, connecting to over 6,000 connectors and plug-ins available in the Claude Marketplace. This extensive connectivity allows the agent to interact with a wide range of third-party services and data sources.
The application also integrates with financial services to facilitate transactions. Duet can make online purchases on behalf of users through Stripe’s Link digital wallet or Shopify’s Shop Pay. However, the company emphasizes that sensitive steps, such as payments, will always require explicit user approval to ensure security and control.
To address privacy concerns, Anthropic has introduced a new classifier that scans each message to prevent sensitive information from leaking out. By default, the agent is programmed to turn down requests for highly sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or government identification, adding an extra layer of protection for users.
Despite its advanced capabilities, Duet has limitations. The agent will not trade securities or move money between different bank accounts, keeping its financial actions within a defined scope. This restraint is likely intended to build trust with early adopters who are cautious about giving AI agents control over their finances.
Claude Duet is currently available in a research preview for Pro and Max customers. Users can access the app on iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web via Claude.ai. Due to high interest, new users must join a waitlist to gain access to the platform.
