Anthropic Cowork: Claude tidies up desktop – Research Preview launched

For those who trust AI sufficiently, Claude from Anthropic will soon be able to tidy up their desktop with a single line of text. A new software tool called Cowork acts as a kind of intermediary. It is intended to be significantly easier to install and use than the programming assistant Claude Code, which some users have already repurposed for other tasks. Currently, Cowork is only available as a Research Preview and exclusively for subscribers of the most expensive tier, Claude Max.

As Anthropic announces in a blog post, the tool is initially integrated only into Claude's Mac app. A Windows version is planned to follow later. The ability to synchronize across devices is also planned.

Access to selected folders

With Cowork, users can grant Claude access to local folders they have selected. The AI can read, edit, and create files within them. This is precisely what Claude Code can already do. Some users have adapted the tool for their needs on the fly. Cowork is intended to make all of this significantly easier. The software is also optimized for tasks that have nothing to do with programming.

Anthropic cites automatic organization of downloads as an example of these use cases. The AI can sort and rename files. It is also possible to create spreadsheets from collections of screenshots or generate reports from unstructured notes.

How Cowork is secured

Cowork supports existing connectors for external data sources such as Google Drive and, according to Anthropic, is compatible with the Chrome browser extension, allowing tasks to be performed within the browser as well.

Anthropic aims to allay concerns about the AI's extensive permissions with the security measures it has implemented. For example, certain actions, such as deleting files, must be confirmed by the user each time. For internet content, there will be a warning about prompt injections to prevent unintended execution of malicious instructions. Anthropic is also working on countermeasures against agent safety risks. And Claude will only be able to use folders and connectors that users have explicitly authorized for it.

After the Claude Max subscription tier, Cowork will be gradually rolled out to other subscribers. Interested parties also have the option to express their interest in a form and be placed on a waiting list. However, it is unclear to what extent this will provide a time advantage.

(mki)