RBD.

The new AI tools, what each one is for, and how to stack them

What each tool does, when to use it, Megan’s take on it, its upsides and risks, and one next step to try. Then a side-by-side comparison and five rules for passing work between tools.

Megan Starkey, RBD.9 October 202614 tools from 5 makers

At a glance

Context

In the last 90 days, OpenAI, Meta and xAI each launched an AI agent that keeps working after you close your laptop: Dots, Muse and Grok Bot. Google and Anthropic already have their own versions.

Several tools now also let a second AI approve actions for you. Check that setting before you connect anything.

Megan’s take

  1. Start with what you already pay for. Claude's voice mode and Gemini inside Gmail and Docs give you the most for the least risk.
  2. Check important drafts with a second maker. A different company's AI catches different mistakes.
  3. Test the always-on agents personally first. Dots and Grok Bot are promising, but prices, business controls and data terms are still settling. Skip Meta's Muse entirely; the warning is in the Muse section.

Next steps

  1. This week: talk to Claude instead of typing, and turn on Meet notes for one internal meeting.
  2. This month: run one important draft past a second maker's AI.
  3. Before any pilot: set every tool to ask before it sends.
How to use this page Tool name jumps to that tool opens setup steps and cost ? keyboard shortcuts

If you want to...

Tap a tool to jump to its card.

Talk instead of type, at your desk
Claude microphoneChatGPT microphone
Think out loud away from the desk and get drafts back
Claude voice modeChatGPT VoiceGemini Live
Have an agent do multi-step work on your files
Claude CodeCoworkCodex
Summarize a thread or draft a reply in Gmail or Docs
Gemini in Workspace
Get meeting notes without a note-taker
Meet "Take notes for me"
Get answers you can trace to a source document
Gemini Notebook
Run a job on a schedule with your laptop closed
Claude cloud routinesWorkspace StudioDotsGrok Bot
Have something watch for what needs you, unasked
Dots
Get a second opinion on an AI draft
Gemini NotebookCodex
Have an agent use websites for you
CodexGrok Bot

4 differences that explain most of the choices

How you talk to it

Dictation

Your speech becomes text in the message box. Nothing happens until you send it.

The microphone in Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini.

Live voice

A spoken back-and-forth you can interrupt. The AI can look things up and draft while you talk.

Claude voice mode, ChatGPT Voice, Gemini Live.

Where it runs

Your computer

Sees your files. Stops when the computer sleeps or the lid closes.

Claude Code, Cowork, Codex on the desktop.

The maker's computers

Keeps working with your laptop closed. Sees only what you connect.

Dots, Grok Bot, Muse, Workspace Studio.

When it works

When you ask

Does the job you give it, then stops.

Most chat and voice tools.

Without being asked

Watches for what needs you. The safer ones only read until you say go.

Dots (read-only until asked), Muse.

Who approves an action

You

The tool asks before it sends, buys or changes anything.

Claude connectors set to "Needs approval".

A second AI

A review model decides what runs without asking you.

Claude Auto mode, OpenAI Auto-review, xAI Auto Review.

What each tool can do

Read across a row for one tool, or down a column to compare one ability. The tool name stays pinned as you scroll sideways.

ToolTalks back (live voice)Works on files on your computerKeeps working after you walk awayStarts work without being askedActs in other apps or websitesAsks before it sendsPrice to start
Anthropic
Claude chat and voice modeVoice modeNoNoNoDrafts through connectorsYesPro $20/mo
Claude CodeDictation onlyYesCloud routines; Projects betaOn a scheduleThrough connectorsDepends on the mode you setPro $20/mo
Claude CoworkDictation onlyFolders you pickCloud version in beta on TeamNoFiles and documentsNot documentedPro $20/mo
OpenAI
ChatGPT VoiceYesThrough CodexNoNoStarts Codex tasksApp by appPlus $20/mo
CodexThrough ChatGPT VoiceYesCodex CloudScheduled and event tasksComputer useCan be switched offPlus $20/mo
ChatGPT DotsVoice calls you startIts own cloud computerYesRead-only until askedYesYour rules decidePro $100/mo
Google
Gemini in Gmail, Docs, MeetSee Gemini LiveYour Google filesNoNoDrafts in placeYou sendBusiness Standard
Gemini NotebookNoFiles you loadNoNoNoNothing to sendGemini app
Workspace StudioNoNoYesSchedule or eventGoogle apps, Asana, SalesforceSome steps, per adminBusiness Standard
xAI
Grok BotRead the warning firstVoice listedIts own cloud computerYesRoutinesSigns in as youAn AI judges unless "Ask first"Cursor Pro or SuperGrok
Meta
MuseNot recommendedAnnouncedMac app, by permissionYesMessages youEmail, forms, purchasesBefore important actions$0 with a limit
✓Yes ~Partly, or only in some setups –No, or not documented

Claude

Anthropic. Chat, voice, Cowork and Claude Code under one account.

One account covers
Chat, voice mode, Cowork, Claude Code
Price to start
Pro $20/mo · Max from $100 · Team $20 to $25 per seat
Your data
Team plans: not used for training. Personal plans: a setting you control

Claude chat and voice mode

Web, desktop, phone · Anthropic's cloud

What it is. The normal Claude chat. Voice mode lets you talk to it, and it talks back.

Megan’s take. The easiest win on this page. Talk through your day on your phone, then come back to drafts waiting for you.

Next step. Ask voice mode on your phone to go through tomorrow's calendar and draft one reply.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you are away from your desk, or you would rather talk something through than type it.
Upsides
  • Nothing new to install or approve
  • On paid plans it can read your email and calendar
  • It still asks before it sends anything
Risks
  • Voice mode cannot use Claude's top model, Fable
  • You still need to read every draft
How to use it
  • Tap the sound-wave button in the Claude app to start voice mode.
  • On paid plans it can use the Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs and Slack connectors.
  • Tap the microphone instead when you only want to dictate.
Cost and access
Voice mode is on web, desktop and phone. Not available in Cowork.
Pairs with
Claude CodeCowork
Claude app on a phone · the message bar
Claude phone app message bar with a microphone button and a voice mode button
  1. Microphone: dictation. Your speech becomes text. Nothing happens until you send.
  2. Sound-wave button: voice mode. A spoken back-and-forth that answers out loud.
Anthropic help article "Use voice mode", support.claude.com. Markers added.

Claude Code

Desktop Code tab, terminal · your computer

What it is. Claude working right on the files and folders on your computer. You tell it what you want in everyday words. You do not need to be a programmer.

Megan’s take. The most powerful tool here if you are willing to learn it. It is where you build your own agents, shortcuts and scheduled jobs.

Next step. Go to Settings and set every tool that can send something to "Needs approval". Then try the microphone for one request.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
the job has a lot of files or steps, or you want it to run on a schedule.
Upsides
  • Works on your real files
  • You can build agents and jobs you reuse
  • Cloud routines keep running with the laptop closed
Risks
  • Auto mode lets a second AI approve actions for you
  • Scheduled jobs on your Mac stop when it sleeps
  • Cloud routines do not stop to ask you before they act
How to use it
  • Talk instead of type: click the microphone in the desktop Code tab, or type /voice in the terminal and hold Space. Both are dictation.
  • Schedule a task from the desktop app. It only runs while your Mac is awake. If it missed a run, it runs once when the Mac wakes up.
  • To run with your laptop closed, use a cloud routine. It runs on Anthropic's computers and reads its instructions from GitHub. Only let it read, not send. It is still an early test version.
  • Projects in Claude Code (beta, on Pro and Max) splits one conversation into jobs that keep going after you close the laptop.
Cost and access
Included with Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise.
Pairs with
Gemini NotebookGoogle connectorsVoice mode

Claude Cowork

Desktop app · your computer (cloud version in beta on Team)

What it is. An agent that works on documents, spreadsheets and research inside folders you pick.

Megan’s take. Cowork gives you much of Claude Code's power with less setup. It is a good first agent for document work.

Next step. Point it at one folder of meeting materials and ask for a one-page summary.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
the job is mostly documents and you want less setup than Claude Code.
Upsides
  • Easier to use than Claude Code
  • You write your preferences once and it follows them
  • Only touches the folders you pick
Risks
  • No live voice, only dictation
  • The cloud version is still in beta
How to use it
  • Choose one folder and describe the result you want.
  • Add standing instructions in Settings so every session follows your preferences.
Cost and access
Desktop app. Included with paid Claude plans.
Pairs with
Meet notesGemini Notebook
Claude desktop app · Cowork instructions
Cowork instructions box with Cancel and Save buttons
  1. Standing instructions. Write preferences once; every Cowork session follows them.
  2. Save. They apply from the next session on.
Anthropic help article "Get started with Claude Cowork", support.claude.com. Markers added.

ChatGPT and Codex

OpenAI. Voice that runs work, an agent for your computer, and always-on dots.

One account covers
ChatGPT, ChatGPT Voice, Codex, ChatGPT Work, Dots
Price to start
Plus $20/mo · Pro $100 to $500 · Business $20 per user
Your data
Business: not used for training by default. Personal plans: a setting

ChatGPT Dots

OpenAI's cloud, 1 computer per dot · since 29 September 2026

What it is. An always-on agent with its own cloud computer and browser. You give it a goal and it keeps working between conversations.

Megan’s take. The most interesting new idea here. But it costs a lot for what it does today, and OpenAI has not said yet what controls businesses will get.

Next step. Wait until OpenAI publishes its usage terms (around 29 October) and its business controls before you try it at work.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you want something keeping an eye on things while you are away, and only reading until you tell it to act.
Upsides
  • When you have not asked it to do anything, it can only read. OpenAI says that is built in
  • You can watch its screen and take over
  • It can hand bigger jobs to Codex or ChatGPT Work
Risks
  • $100 to $125 per user per month
  • You cannot edit what it remembers, only delete the whole dot
  • By default it does not ask you every time
How to use it
  • Create a dot in the desktop app. Reach it on desktop, web, phone, by voice call, or in Slack and Teams.
  • Start with read-only jobs and read its activity for a few days before allowing drafts.
  • Set Custom Rules to "Ask before taking action" for anything that sends or changes.
Cost and access
First dot included with Pro ($100 to $500 a month) or a Business Premium seat ($100 to $125 per user).
Pairs with
CodexClaude Code
ChatGPT desktop app · a dot named Alfred
A dot in the ChatGPT app with its own cloud computer screen beside the chat
  1. Your conversation with the dot. You give it goals and check in here.
  2. The dot's own cloud computer. It works in its own browser and apps, not on your machine.
  3. "Alfred has control" and "Take over". You can step in at any time.
OpenAI launch page "Introducing dots", openai.com. Markers added.

Dots, drafting for you

The same dot, acting on request

What it is. When you ask, a dot works in apps on its own computer, such as writing a Gmail draft with a chart attached.

Megan’s take. This is how an agent should work. It writes the draft, and you decide. Set it to always wait for you.

Next step. If you pilot it, set sending to "Ask before taking action" on day one.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you want the dot to turn what it found into a draft you approve.
Upsides
  • Does the whole job, from finding to drafting
  • You see the draft before it goes
Risks
  • A send can go without you if your rules allow it
How to use it
  • Ask in plain language, then review the draft in the dot's screen.
Cost and access
Same plans as Dots.
Pairs with
Claude Code
ChatGPT desktop app · a dot drafting an email
A dot drafting a Gmail message next to the chat
  1. You ask in plain language. "Can you draft an email with the main findings?"
  2. The dot drafts in Gmail on its own computer, with the chart attached.
  3. Send. Your rules decide whether it waits for your yes. Set it to ask first.
OpenAI launch page "Introducing dots", openai.com. Markers added.

Codex

Inside the ChatGPT desktop app since 9 July · your computer or OpenAI's cloud

What it is. OpenAI's agent that does work on your computer. It started as a coding tool and now does much more. It is OpenAI's version of Claude Code.

Megan’s take. If you already use Claude, Codex is most useful for checking Claude's work.

Next step. Run one Claude draft through Codex and compare what each flags.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you want an agent to operate apps on your computer, or a second opinion on Claude's work.
Upsides
  • Can use apps on your computer, asking you first for each app
  • Suggests tasks from your Gmail, Slack and calendar
  • A different AI catches different mistakes
Risks
  • Scheduled tasks can run without asking you if your account allows it
  • Each plan limits how much you can use it
How to use it
  • Open Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app and describe the result.
  • Computer use asks your approval app by app.
  • Tasks triggered by a new Gmail, Slack or GitHub item run from ChatGPT web and mobile.
Cost and access
Included with Plus ($20/mo) and up; Business $20 per user.
Pairs with
ChatGPT VoiceDotsClaude Code
Codex desktop app · new task screen
Codex desktop app with recent tasks, app suggestions and a Do anything box
  1. Recent tasks and projects down the left.
  2. Suggestions from your apps: a bounced Gmail, a Slack reply, a calendar prep.
  3. "Do anything." Describe the result you want.
  4. Microphone for dictation.
OpenAI product page "Codex", openai.com. Markers added.

ChatGPT Voice

Desktop, web, phone · since 23 July 2026

What it is. A live voice conversation you can interrupt. While you talk, it can start Codex jobs and tell you how they are going.

Megan’s take. Right now this is the best way to get work done just by talking. It is the main reason some heavy AI users pick Codex.

Next step. Try it on a personal account with a non-work task before deciding.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you want to step away from the screen and keep work moving.
Upsides
  • Interrupt it mid-sentence
  • Starts and checks on tasks by voice
Risks
  • Screen sharing sends the whole front window, including text scrolled out of view
  • Adds a second AI company to manage
How to use it
  • Start a voice chat in the ChatGPT desktop app.
  • Turn on screen context only when you want it to see the front window, and close sensitive windows first.
Cost and access
Plus, Pro, Business, Edu and Enterprise plans.
Pairs with
Codex

Gemini

Google. AI inside the apps your team already uses.

Works inside
Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, Meet, Chat
Price to start
Workspace Business Starter $7, Standard $14, Plus $22 per user/mo · discounted plans for nonprofits
Your data
Google does not train on Workspace customer data

Gemini in Gmail, Docs and Meet

Inside Google Workspace

What it is. The side panel and "Help me write" in the apps your staff already use, plus meeting notes in Meet.

Megan’s take. If your team works in Google, this gives you the most for the least risk.

Next step. Check your Workspace edition, then turn on Meet notes for one internal meeting.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
the work lives in Google and you want it done in place, with no setup.
Upsides
  • No setup; uses each person's own permissions
  • Meeting notes land in a Doc automatically
  • Workspace data is not used for training
Risks
  • Your Workspace edition decides which of these features your team has
  • Decide ahead of time whether sensitive calls should get AI notes
How to use it
  • Open the Gemini side panel in Gmail or Docs.
  • In Meet, turn on "Take notes for me". Everyone is told, and notes land in the organizer's Drive.
Cost and access
Business Standard and up.
Pairs with
Claude voice modeCowork
Google Meet · a meeting in progress
Google Meet call with the Gemini note-taking panel open
  1. Notes button at the top right of the meeting.
  2. "Let Gemini take notes." Choose who gets the notes and whether to transcribe.
  3. Start taking notes. Everyone is told; notes land in a Google Doc.
Frame from Google's animated example in "Take notes for me in Google Meet", support.google.com. People shown are Google's sample images. Markers added.

Gemini Notebook

Google's cloud

What it is. A place where you upload documents and ask questions about them. The answers come from those documents.

Megan’s take. The easiest way to get answers you can trace back to a source. It is also a good second check on Claude's work.

Next step. Load one set of requirements and one draft, and ask it to mark each requirement met or missed.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you need answers you can trace back to a source, or you want a draft checked against a list of requirements.
Upsides
  • Comes with the Gemini app
  • Answers point to the source
  • Audio overviews for prep on the go
Risks
  • Only as good as the documents you load
  • Google has not confirmed how long it keeps your files after a session
How to use it
  • Load the sources, then ask.
  • To check a draft: load the guideline and the draft, and ask it to flag any figure the sources do not support.
Cost and access
Comes with the Gemini app; plan details vary by Google account.
Pairs with
Claude CodeCodex

Google Workspace Studio

Google's cloud · Business Standard and up

What it is. Automations you build without code. They run on a schedule or when something happens, like a new email arriving.

Megan’s take. Good for jobs that repeat. Start with automations that only write things down, never send.

Next step. Build one flow that writes a weekly digest into a Doc and sends nothing.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
a job repeats, happens in Google, and should run even when everyone's laptop is closed.
Upsides
  • Runs in Google's cloud on a schedule
  • Reaches Asana, Salesforce and HubSpot
Risks
  • A test run takes real actions
  • Your admin settings decide which steps ask for approval
How to use it
  • Up to 25 flows per person, 20 steps each.
  • Test before any flow can send.
Cost and access
Business Standard and up.
Pairs with
Gemini Notebook

Gemini Live and Gemini Spark

Gemini app · Spark: US beta, personal accounts

What it is. Gemini Live is live voice in the Gemini app. Spark is Google's 24/7 background agent.

Megan’s take. Live is worth a try. Spark is not available on work accounts yet.

Next step. Try Gemini Live on your phone for a 5-minute planning conversation.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
Live: you want to talk a problem through. Spark: only on a personal Google AI Pro or Ultra account.
Upsides
  • Live comes with the Gemini app
  • Spark asks before it sends email or spends money
Risks
  • Spark is personal accounts only, US beta
How to use it
  • Open the Gemini app and start Live.
  • Spark: watch for business availability, called "coming soon" since May.
Cost and access
Live: Gemini app. Spark: Google AI Pro or Ultra, personal accounts.
Pairs with
Workspace Studio
Gemini app on a phone · Spark at work
Gemini Spark on a phone adding snacks to a shopping cart
  1. The plan it will carry out.
  2. The step in progress, tappable for detail.
  3. Done: items added to the cart.
Frame from Google's demo video in "The Gemini app becomes more agentic", blog.google. Markers added.

Google Workspace connectors for other AI

Developer Preview · 8 connectors

What it is. Google's own connectors that let tools like Claude read Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Chat and Contacts.

Megan’s take. These connectors let Claude read Google Chat. Set them up once Google approves your access.

Next step. Use Chat's "Forward to inbox" today; add the connector when approved, with send tools blocked.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
Claude's built-in Google connections do not reach the app you need, like Google Chat.
Upsides
  • Google's own connectors, with Claude listed as supported
  • Gmail is draft-only
Risks
  • Still an early test version
  • The Chat and Calendar connectors can also send and change things
How to use it
  • Needs a Google Cloud project and sign-in setup.
  • In Claude, block the Chat connector's send and mark-as-read tools.
Cost and access
Developer Preview access from Google, plus a Google Cloud project.
Pairs with
Claude Code

Grok

xAI. A chat assistant and a team of hosted bots.

Products
Grok assistant, Grok Bot. The company now calls itself SpaceXAI in its docs
Price to start
Grok Business $30 per user · Grok Bot through Cursor Pro or SuperGrok
Your data
Business: not used for training. Consumer Grok is reported to train by default

Grok Bot

Cloud computers run by Cursor · desktop and phone apps

Warning

Musk sued my state of Minnesota for trying to prevent Grok's nudification technology, so for those who want to take a principled stand, avoid this. No judgment.

What it is. A team of named, always-on bots, each with its own role and memory, working on a cloud computer with a browser, files and a terminal. The computers are run by Cursor, not on your machine, so the bots keep working with your laptop closed. You give a bot a task in chat; it works on its own, comes back with drafts and voice memos, and asks for approval when it needs it. You can also teach one a task by showing it.

Megan’s take. The most hands-off agent here, and the one with the fewest safety limits.

Next step. Only try it on personal, non-work accounts, with every rule set to "Ask first".

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you want hosted agents that repeat web tasks you can demonstrate.
Upsides
  • Teach by recording up to 10 minutes of your browser steps
  • One bot per job, with its own memory
  • Phone app
Risks
  • Signs in as you and acts with your access
  • Has no read-only mode
  • xAI says its safety check "does not review every side effect"
How to use it
  • Give each bot one job.
  • Desktop app on Mac, Windows and Linux, plus iPhone, iPad and Android. Talk to a bot by typing, dictation or voice chat.
  • Routines run at least 5 minutes apart, up to 50 per bot. A bot can also start from a Slack message or a GitHub notification.
  • Teach a bot a task by recording up to 10 minutes of your own browser steps.
  • Tag @bot in a post on X to hand it a task. Not available for X accounts in the UK, EU, Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway.
  • All of your bots share one cloud computer, including files, browser sessions and app logins. Each bot runs one screen task at a time.
  • The docs do not say which model runs Grok Bot.
  • Set every rule to "Ask first".
Cost and access
Included with paid Cursor plans or linked SuperGrok and X Premium+ accounts.
Pairs with
Grok assistant
Grok Bot app · a team of named bots
Grok Bot app with a list of named bots and one bot's work log
  1. Named bots, each with one job: Chief, Inbox Manager, Talent Scout, Expense Manager.
  2. Its cloud computer at work. Here it asks you to sign in to Salesforce so it can act as you.
  3. What it did: pulled lists, skipped profiles, queued 36 drafts, sent 0.
  4. Microphone to talk to the bot.
Product demo rendered on xAI's page "Meet Grok Bot", x.ai/bot, captured 9 October 2026. Markers added.

Grok assistant

Web, phone, X · xAI's cloud

What it is. A chat assistant that, since May, can connect to Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and Salesforce.

Megan’s take. Grok does the job, but it repeats what Gemini and Claude already do.

Next step. Skip it unless your work runs on Microsoft 365.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
you work in Microsoft 365 or Salesforce, or want a third maker's view.
Upsides
  • Microsoft 365 and Salesforce connectors
Risks
  • Consumer plans reportedly train on your conversations
  • See the warning on Grok Bot
How to use it
  • Connect the apps you need. Custom connectors are on business plans only.
Cost and access
Grok Business $30 per user; consumer plans vary.
Pairs with
Grok Bot

Muse

Meta. A personal agent for errands.

Where
Muse app (iPhone, Android), muse.ai, Mac app · US
Price to start
$0 with a usage limit · $20 and $100 tiers in testing
Your data
Training on your conversations is on by default

Meta Muse

Muse app, muse.ai, Mac app · since 8 September 2026

Megan’s warning: I would not use Muse

In my view, Meta, the company behind Facebook, has the worst record of the big tech companies on taking people's data and on surveillance.

Muse asks for your email, your calendar and your messages, on top of what Meta already knows about you, your friends and the places you go. Handing Meta that wider and deeper reach is not a good idea.

I would not touch it with a 10-foot pole.

What it is. A personal agent with its own cloud computer that keeps working after you close the app and messages you when it has something.

Megan’s take. Do not use it. Muse would give Meta a wider and deeper view of your life than it already has.

Next step. Skip it. If someone on your team already uses it, have them turn off training and disconnect Gmail and Calendar today.

Upsides, risks, how to use it, what it costsOpen
Use it when
never, in my view. See the warning above.
Upsides
  • Asks before important actions, with a per-action approval menu
  • Connectors can be set to read-only
Risks
  • Meta's record on personal data and surveillance
  • Training on your conversations is on by default
  • Tied to a Facebook or Instagram account, with no organization console
How to use it
  • If it is already in use: Settings, Data controls, turn off "Help improve our AI models".
  • Disconnect Gmail, Calendar and any other connectors.
Cost and access
$0 with a usage limit; paid tiers in testing. US only.
Pairs with
Dots
Muse app on a phone · shopping
Muse phone app comparing strollers and setting up checkout
  1. Status: "Setting up checkout..."
  2. Options it found, with prices.
  3. Its recommendation, with the reason.
Frame from Meta's demo video in "Introducing Muse", about.fb.com. Markers added.

Also on the radar

Instinct

A personal assistant you text or call, with no app. It trains on your data by default with an opt-out, and its permissions are not published. Megan’s take: skip for now.

OpenMausBot and Hydo

Open-source projects, each built by one person, that run Claude, Codex or Grok on your own computer. Megan’s take: these are for developers and get deep access to your machine. Skip them.

How the tools stack

Most teams use AI to speed up one person and lose time in the handoffs between people and tools. Five rules.

  1. 1

    Write your context down once

    Short documents on your organization, this year's goals and how you like to work. Give each task only the ones it needs.

  2. 2

    Hand over tasks, not questions

    Give the goal and the decision you want made, the way you would brief a chief of staff.

  3. 3

    Start read-only

    Let a tool read and summarize first. Add edit and send once its drafts have been right for a while.

  4. 4

    Sort work by how bad a mistake would be

    Easy to undo: let it handle it. Goes out in your name: it drafts, you approve. Money, legal or people you know: it brings it to you.

Tip. Always think about handoffs. Where does this go next? If any action can flow out of the current work stream, start that branch. Work will get done smarter and faster.

Megan’s take. Rules 3 and 4 are the ones most people skip, and they are what make the rest safe. Start with one handoff you repeat every week, not a whole agent team.

What to watch through January

Dates and open questions that will change the advice on this page.

14 OctGPT-5.5 retires from ChatGPT and Codex.
About 29 OctDot usage starts counting toward plan limits, and OpenAI publishes usage terms per plan.
OpenProjects in Claude Code reaching Team plans; Claude cloud routines leaving research preview.
OpenGemini Spark for business accounts, called "coming soon" since May; "Ask Gemini in Chat" rolling out since 1 October.
OpenBusiness admin controls and a price for extra dots; Muse paid tiers leaving testing.
Sources: each maker's own pages, read 9 October 2026

Where only news coverage existed, the guide says "reported". Product screens come from each maker's public launch pages, help pages and demo videos, with numbered markers added. Features and prices change often.