Where the agent runs changes what it can touch
A cloud agent works in a browser on someone else’s server. It usually cannot open your desktop apps or your folders. BackBrain is installed on your PC, so it can use your browser session, your installed apps, and your files.
| Need | Cloud assistant | BackBrain |
|---|---|---|
| Where the operator runs | Their servers | Your Windows PC |
| Passwords | Often have to be sent to the service | Vault on your PC, used at sign-in |
| Your files and desktop apps | Limited | On the PC |
| Phone | Often none | Optional Android companion. Automatic codes are not guaranteed |
| Offline | The sandbox needs their cloud | Websites still need internet. A local model can reason without a cloud key. Local-only mode is a setting |
| Cost | Often a subscription to them | Free during private beta. A cloud model key is billed by that provider, not BackBrain |
Privacy
Passwords and one-time codes stay on the PC and are not written into transcripts. Credential screens are not sent to a cloud model. Other task text can go to a model you chose. Local-only mode blocks cloud model calls; it is a setting, not the default.
Outages
It can retry and try another model you configured, or wait. A remembered path may still need reasoning calls.
When to use it
When the task needs your real browser, your folders, or an installed app, and you do not want the password stored in a vendor account.
Another comparison
AI agents vs chatbots
Compare where the work happens and what you can check.
Get BackBrain to do this for you
BackBrain is free during private beta for Windows, with an optional Android companion. Reserve a spot on the homepage or email hello@backbrain.in.
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