Some critics dismiss Manus as merely a wrapper for existing foundational models and tools, but this perspective overlooks the reality that many successful AI products also fit this description.

Manus is being called the most impressive AI tool ever tried, showcasing its capabilities as a sophisticated computer using AI, unlike its predecessors that were merely specialized chatbots.

The key challenge for AI startups isn't whether wrappers are viable, but how to achieve sustainable differentiation in their products.

The advantages of Manus, such as UX refinements and thoughtful integrations, are vulnerable to competitors who can replicate these features, posing a risk to its market position.

The perception that AI startups are merely wrappers around foundational models is misleading; many are creating valuable and innovative companies despite the risks of failure.

Usable AI agents are finally here, with platforms like OpenAI's Deep Research and Google's tools leading the way, and now Manus has joined the competition as a brand new general-purpose AI agent that has taken the world by storm.

Manus exemplifies these trade-offs well, as its multi-agent orchestration significantly reduces per-task costs to around $2, compared to competitors like OpenAI's Deep Research.

Manus operates as a multi-agent AI system, coordinating a team of sub-agents to complete various tasks, from travel planning to financial analysis, rather than relying on a single neural network.

Despite the challenges, there is still a market for AI applications, particularly in enterprise settings, even if the anticipated breakthroughs do not materialize in the near future.