Ano

Ano is a desktop team chat application that combines standard communication features such as channels, threads, and direct messages with an embedded shell running Claude Code. It is designed to allow human team members and AI agents to collaborate side by side within the same workspace. The platform uses a local-first sync engine to keep messages stored on the user device for speed and reliability.

• Embedded shell in every channel running Claude Code on the user subscription
• Local-first sync engine keeping messages stored on the device
• Customizable AI coworkers with defined prompts, personalities, and tool access
• Support for external agents like OpenClaw or Hermes Agents using a one-time key
• Message bridging to connect conversations with users in Slack workspaces
• Integration capabilities powered by Pipedream with access to pre-built integrations
• Single sign-on via WorkOS and TLS security on every connection

Pros

• Integrates AI coding and CLI tools directly into chat channels rather than using a generic separate assistant
• Runs on a local-first sync engine designed to remain fast and light on memory
• Enables cross-platform collaboration by bridging messages with existing Slack workspaces
• Allows teams to define custom agents with scoped tool permissions and specific personalities

Cons

• Requires the user to supply their own Claude Code account and subscription
• End-to-end encryption for hosted workspace content is listed as on the roadmap rather than shipped
• Available as a macOS beta desktop application, which may limit platform availability

Ano fits engineering and cross-functional product teams looking to embed AI assistants and CLI tools directly into their daily conversations. It is well-suited for developers, sales, and marketing teams who want to use tools like HubSpot, GitHub, or Notion via command line agents inside a chat interface. It is a poor fit for teams that do not use Claude Code or CLIs, or those requiring fully shipped end-to-end encryption for hosted workspace content.

The listing and website state the product is free for the whole company during the macOS beta. Users must bring their own Claude Code account and subscription, as prompts go direct to Anthropic.

Unlike traditional chat tools or generic assistant add-ons, Ano embeds a live shell running Claude Code and custom agents directly into the core of every communication channel. Rather than reselling tokens or acting as an intermediary, it utilizes the user's own Claude Code subscription and local CLIs. It also features a local-first sync engine alongside message bridging with external Slack workspaces.

Linear, GitHub, Vercel, Notion, Attio, Figma, Sentry, Slack, Stripe, PostHog, Docker, Cloudflare, Google, HubSpot, Intercom, Jira, arXiv, Pipedream, OpenClaw, Hermes Agents, and WorkOS.

Ano is worth trying for teams seeking a collaborative chat environment with deep, built-in AI agent support and local-first performance. Users should check whether the lack of shipped end-to-end encryption meets their security requirements. It is recommended for teams willing to use a macOS beta application and provide their own Claude Code account.