Chinese AI Challenges OpenAI – But Can You Experience It?


An automated task AI platform called Manus AI is causing a stir in the tech community, with claims exceeding those of Deep Research and OpenAI's Operator. But there is a problem: users do not have easy access to it.


#ManusAI currently only allows access by invitation, leading many to be willing to pay millions of USD for a trial account. This raises the question: Is this a breakthrough in AI, or just a psychological game creating FOMO (fear of missing out)?


What is Manus AI?


Manus AI is a platform for "AI agents", meaning an AI assistant that can automate tasks without complex user setup. It can:

✅ Book travel tickets

✅ Analyze the stock market

✅ Create educational content

✅ Compare insurance


Unlike OpenAI which requires complex APIs, Manus only needs to understand one command, automatically searching the web, analyzing content, and executing tasks.


Notably, Manus is currently free but will charge in the future. Meanwhile, OpenAI is charging $200/month for access to premium AI agents.


The Value of Invitations – Hype or Truly Groundbreaking?


Due to access limitations, some people have been willing to pay up to 10 million yuan (~$1.3 million USD) to buy invitations on the black market Xianyu. However, these transactions may just be tricks to create a sense of scarcity and enhance Manus's value.


In fact, mentions of Manus invitation codes have been banned on Xianyu, suggesting that there may have been fraudulent transactions aimed at manipulating the market.


Is Manus AI Really "Magical"?


Some AI researchers have praised Manus:

💬 Andrew Wilkinson (Tiny) said: "It feels like I just traveled to the future 6 months!"

💬 Victor Mustar (AI researcher) commented: "The task capabilities of Manus are incredible, it is redefining what is possible."

💬 Deedy Das (Menlo Ventures) called it "the AI agent we have long promised."


However, not everyone is convinced. Some users point out that:

🚨 Manus is slow in performing complex tasks.

🚨 The AI falls into error loops, not completing tasks correctly.

🚨 Only good with simple tasks (content creation, travel planning) but weak with STEM & programming.

🚨 Does not use proprietary models, but relies on Claude and Qwen variants.


In addition, Manus encountered a scandal when a crypto scam shared its name, causing Manus AI's official X account to be locked. This raises concerns about the project's transparency.


Open-Source Response: OpenManus Emerges


Those who do not want to pay or wait for an invitation have found an alternative: OpenManus – an open-source project from the MetaGPT community.


🔹 OpenManus does not require an invitation code, anyone can copy the source code and run their own AI agent.

🔹 The project has attracted nearly 25,000 stars on #GitHub , developing rapidly.

🔹 A web version is being developed, making it easier for users to access.


The Future of AI Agents


According to Grand View Research, the AI agent market will reach $5.4 billion by 2024, with a growth rate of 45.8%/year until 2030.


Although AI agents are an inevitable trend, no platform has truly proven the ability to complete complex tasks. OpenAI is currently developing specialized agents priced up to $20,000/month.


So, if you want a perfect AI:

💰 Pay for OpenAI

⏳ Wait for a Manus invitation

🔧 Build your own AI agent


👉 Which path will you choose? Share your thoughts! 🚀 #anhbacong