Hugging Face launches a $299 desktop robot that challenges an industry where basic systems cost $70,000. The open-source approach could democratize robotics development the same way it transformed software.
Most developers use Claude Code like a basic chatbot. These 10 advanced tricks transform it into a full development environment with IDE integration, custom commands, and automation that actually fits your workflow.
The deal quintuples Manus's previous valuation, according to Bloomberg. That's quite a vote of confidence for a company whose demo went viral in March – though users quickly discovered its AI agents weren't quite ready for prime time.
Manus claims its AI agents can handle everything from website development to real estate research. The reality? Sometimes they crash mid-task or skip crucial steps. It's like having an eager intern who occasionally forgets how doors work.
The Tech Behind the Hype
Reports suggest Manus might leverage advanced language models for its AI agents. These models can interact with external applications through features that let AI systems use real-world software – though Manus hasn't confirmed the specifics of its technology stack.
Premium Pricing Despite Growing Pains
Butterfly Effect, Manus's parent company, isn't letting a few hiccups slow it down. They've already launched paid subscriptions at $39 and $199 monthly, matching OpenAI's pricing with what some might call impressive confidence.
Global Expansion on the Horizon
The fresh capital will fuel expansion into the US, Japan, and Middle East markets. Previous investors include Chinese tech giant Tencent and HSG (formerly Sequoia China), who must be feeling pretty smart right now.
Battle of the AI Agents Heats Up
Manus faces stiff competition from OpenAI's Operator, which launched in January. Both services aim to automate everyday tasks, though perhaps "aim" is the operative word here.
Representatives from both Manus and Benchmark declined to comment, maintaining that time-honored Silicon Valley tradition of strategic silence.
Why this matters:
Silicon Valley's betting big on AI agents despite their current limitations – suggesting either remarkable foresight or a serious case of FOMO.
The gap between demo and reality hints at a broader truth in AI: even half-billion-dollar valuations can't make computers perfectly replicate human judgment... yet.
French AI startup Mistral hunts $1 billion from Abu Dhabi investors as Europe pushes for tech independence. The France-UAE partnership challenges US-China AI dominance, but questions remain about true sovereignty when foreign funds drive domestic innovation.
Former Manchester City captain raises $42M to fix Britain's broken delivery system with AI and electric trucks. Her startup Hived claims 99% on-time delivery while legacy carriers struggle with outdated technology built for letters, not e-commerce.
A Marine-led startup that reads stress patterns in voices just raised $60M from ex-CIA chief David Petraeus. Clearspeed detects fraud and security risks without listening to words - just tone and hesitation patterns across any language.
Former OpenAI executive Mira Murati raised $2 billion for her new AI company, shattering every seed funding record. Her six-month-old startup is now worth $10 billion without shipping a product. The deal shows how the exodus of top talent from OpenAI is creating well-funded competitors.
