Zuck buys Chinese AI company Manus that claims it deals in actions, not words (www.theregister.com)

Meta has announced its acquisition of the Chinese AI company Manus, which is renowned for its "general agent" technology that surpasses conventional generative AI chatbots. Founded in March 2025 by Butterfly Effect, Manus specializes in delivering actionable outcomes through advanced reasoning and research capabilities. The technology is exemplified by its ability to evaluate job applications stored in a .ZIP file, analyzing the content against user-defined criteria to generate a ranked document of the best candidates. This cloud-hosted multi-agent system operates on several distinct models, making it a significant advancement in AI functionality. The acquisition is crucial for the AI/ML community as it aligns with Meta's ambition to develop "superintelligence," a sophisticated AI that understands and helps users achieve their goals. With Manus already serving millions globally and boasting a remarkable $100 million in annual recurring revenue within just eight months of launch, this move signifies Meta's deepening investment in AI solutions, further bolstered by a $70 billion capital expenditure plan primarily for AI-focused infrastructure. This deal marks Meta's fifth AI acquisition in 2025, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its product offerings and potentially integrating Manus's technology into future services like the rumored "Meta AI+" subscription.