Manus AI Introduces Monthly Subscription Plans and iOS Mobile App
China’s Manus AI: New Subscription Model and Mobile Launch
China’s Manus AI, an autonomous artificial intelligence agent, has made significant strides with a fresh subscription-based pricing model. Starting at $39 per month, Manus also launched a mobile application that enables users to interact with the AI while on the go. This update follows a recent upgrade from its rival, the Chinese startup DeepSeek, which released a new version of its large language model, intensifying the race against U.S. tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Subscription Plans Overview
Manus AI is rolling out two distinct subscription plans:
Manus Starter Plan
- Price: $39 per month
- Credits: 3,900 credits per month
- Tasks: Allows running up to two tasks simultaneously
- Features: Enhanced stability with dedicated resources and increased context length for responses
Manus Pro Plan
- Price: $199 per month
- Credits: 19,900 credits per month
- Tasks: Capable of running five tasks at once
- Features: Includes priority access during peak hours along with similar functionalities to the Starter plan
What Are Credits?
Credits serve as a virtual currency within the Manus platform that users consume when executing tasks. Each action undertaken by the AI requires a set amount of credits.
Limited Free Access
While Manus AI is establishing its subscription services, users still have access to a free version, but it is currently limited. The company has communicated that they are working to scale their infrastructure and optimize usage rates to provide better value. This is to ensure that all users can have a satisfactory experience while the platform is still under development.
Technological Framework
Manus AI relies on a combination of advanced technologies to enhance its capabilities:
- AI Models: Developed in collaboration with Anthropic to ensure accurate and relevant responses
- Cloud Infrastructure: Google Cloud underpins Manus’ backend systems, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) supplies additional cloud resources to handle user demands.
Unique Features of Manus AI
Manus is designed to handle multi-step workflows and can access authoritative data through application programming interfaces (APIs). This makes it a more autonomous AI, capable of supporting more complex user requirements.
Future Aspirations
Butterfly Effect, the parent company of Manus, is actively seeking investment to support the platform’s growth. Reports indicate that they are aiming for a funding round that could value the company at around $500 million.
Market Competition
With the launch of the Manus AI subscription plans, the competition in the AI landscape is heating up, particularly against well-established entities like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro. The competitive pricing and features of Manus could position it as a compelling alternative for users seeking sophisticated AI tools.
Closing Thoughts
As Manus AI ventures into a subscription model, its strategic moves indicate the growing trend of monetization in the AI sector. The launch of its mobile app also highlights the increasing demand for flexibility in AI interactions, enabling users to leverage advanced technology at their convenience. The developing competition with firms such as DeepSeek and other global tech players will likely continue to shape the future landscape of AI solutions.
