Despite being in closed beta, a new Chinese AI contender, Manus, is quickly gaining attention online. Emerging just months after the open-source model DeepSeek captured significant interest, Manus has spurred renewed discussions within the tech community about whether it represents another leap forward.
Demo videos released by Manus’s R&D team showcase the system’s ability to handle various tasks, including reviewing resumes, conducting real estate research, and analyzing stock data. However, the tool remains in closed beta testing. “Manus is far from its final form,” explained Zhang Tao, a member of the development team, in a recent statement. He added that the team is working diligently to improve performance, specifically focusing on reducing model errors and increasing processing speeds.
Not Another DeepSeek
Professor Wei Wei of Huazhong University of Science and Technology shed light on the key differences between DeepSeek and Manus. He stated that DeepSeek is an inference-based language model that excels in information generation and processing, making it particularly well-suited for answering questions about “What should be done?” In contrast, Manus is designed as a general-purpose AI agent. It leverages large models or multiple tools to perform tasks, emphasizing “How to do it” through task allocation and collaboration. Wei noted that while the concept of using AI agents to complete multi-tasks isn’t new, Manus is innovative because it transforms multi-agent collaboration into a product.
By incorporating advanced AI capabilities into the user experience, Manus simplifies complex tasks and, according to Wei, moves AI agent technology forward substantially.
Mass-User Feedback Expected
Wei observed that Manus demonstrates impressive intelligence in its demonstration videos. However, as it remains in closed beta, it lacks comprehensive third-party evaluations and wider user feedback. Its actual effectiveness, he suggested, will only become clear with broader public use.
Pan Helin, a member of the Information and Communications Economic Expert Committee under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, believes that while Manus may not introduce fundamental algorithmic innovations, it achieves notable results through the integration of multiple large models, combined with innovations in engineering and application, resulting in a comprehensive user experience. However, he emphasized the importance of practical application as the ultimate test: “DeepSeek gained popularity through its free accessibility. Whether Manus will gain similar traction hinges on its performance after its launch.”
