AI Got Its Own Computer — Now What?

This week, three major announcements share a single thread: AI stopped being the thing you talk to and started being the thing that does the work. Microsoft launched Copilot Tasks — a to-do list that completes itself on its own virtual computer. Perplexity shipped Perplexity Computer, orchestrating nineteen specialized AI models like a full department. And Anthropic expanded its Cowork plugins so Claude now lives inside Excel, Gmail, Slack, and dozens of enterprise tools. Stephen Forte breaks down what each means for business leaders, why the open-source alternative isn't ready for operators, and how companies like Spotify, the NYSE, and Novo Nordisk are already deploying AI in production — not through top-down mandates, but by letting curious employees experiment. Stories Covered: 1. Microsoft Copilot Tasks + Perplexity Computer + OpenClaw Comparison Microsoft Copilot Tasks launch (February 26, 2026) Perplexity Computer — nineteen AI models working in concert OpenClaw — open-source agent, fastest GitHub repo to 100K stars Why cloud solutions are the professional-grade path 2. Anthropic Cowork Plugins Expansion Claude now embedded in Excel, PowerPoint, Gmail, Slack, DocuSign, FactSet, LSEG Department-specific plugins for HR, Finance, Investment Banking, Engineering NYSE, Spotify, Novo Nordisk production deployments Deployment advice: pick one department, sixty days, let people experiment Sources: Microsoft Copilot Tasks announcement Perplexity Computer launch OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot / Moltbot) GitHub Cisco security research on OpenClaw skills Anthropic Cowork Plugins expansion Spotify, NYSE, Novo Nordisk case studies