OpenClaw reveals iOS and Android mobile apps at last — but initial reviews make for tough reading (www.techradar.com)

OpenClaw has officially launched companion apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to remotely control their self-hosted AI agents, a move that shifts away from reliance on messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. These apps connect users to an OpenClaw Gateway hosted on their own hardware, embodying the company’s local-first philosophy aimed at reducing dependency on Big Tech. The mobile applications offer three primary functions: native app experience, agent management on the go, and remote action approvals, enhancing user interaction with the AI in a portable format. Despite the promise of these apps, initial feedback has been less than favorable. The Android version particularly struggles with usability, receiving a low 2.2-star rating due to being buggy and difficult to pair, leading some users to label it as “unusable.” This rocky start raises questions about the app's refinement and overall user experience, even though the core AI functionality remains solid. OpenClaw, which has garnered attention for its success in selling hardware configurations for AI agents, now faces the challenge of improving its mobile experience to meet user expectations and solidify its foothold in the AI/ML landscape, particularly as it continues to gain support from entities like OpenAI.