The difference between a local desktop agent and a massively multi-agent cloud orchestrator.
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Claude Cowork
Maia
Maia operates as a cloud-based orchestrator, handling complex multi-step workflows that run independently of your hardware. Support for scheduled deployments and webhook triggers means your automations work around the clock without your device being online.
Claude Cowork
Claude Cowork focuses on local file system access and browser extension automation on your device. Workflows are bound to your desktop session and cannot run independently or be triggered by external events.
Maia
Maia introduces 'The Canvas', a visual workspace where planning is transparent and collaborative. Review, adjust, and human-verify every step of a multi-agent plan before it is deployed to the cloud.
Claude Cowork
Claude Cowork uses a linear chat interface for task execution. There is no visual workspace for reviewing or adjusting multi-step plans before they run.
Maia
Maia connects directly to Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Docs. Additionally, Maia can generate custom actions for any API, extending its reach to virtually any third-party platform.
Claude Cowork
Claude Cowork's reach is limited to what the local browser extension can see and what is stored on your hard drive. It does not offer native integrations with business tools or the ability to connect to arbitrary APIs.
Maia is a cloud-based multi-agent orchestrator with visual workflow design, scheduled deployments, webhook triggers, and native app integrations. Claude Cowork is a local desktop agent focused on file system access and browser automation bound to your device.
Yes, Maia supports both scheduled and webhook-triggered deployments, allowing your workflows to run automatically in the cloud.
Claude Cowork has limited API support, focusing primarily on local desktop automation and browser-based tasks via an extension.
