01What is OpenMuse and How Does It Work?

OpenMuse is a free, open source AI assistant and a direct alternative to Meta's Muse. You can install it on your own machine and it comes with its own web browser that keeps working even after you close the app.

The code is fully public under the MIT license, so you can copy it, change it, and even use it in a business you charge for. It acts as a personal AI agent that can read your Gmail, fill in PDF forms, and watch web pages for changes—all while waiting for your approval before sending anything.

OpenMuse just hit 3,500 stars on GitHub, showing its growing popularity in the open source community.

02Key Features That Set OpenMuse Apart

OpenMuse adds four things that most AI agents leave out. These features make it more practical and useful for daily tasks.

  • Persistent Chromium browser with save profiles—it stays logged into sites between sessions.
  • Optional Linux container for running tasks in a separate environment.
  • Terminal and editable file area so you can work with files directly.
  • Durable tasks that let it run autonomously without you.

You can give it access to its own computer, terminal, and files and let it operate in the cloud. It also has a clean, easy-to-use interface.

Compared to Meta's Muse, which charges about $20 to $100 a month, OpenMuse is completely free. You only pay your model provider directly, and you can plug in whatever model you want, including free ones.

03How to Set Up OpenMuse Step by Step

Setting up OpenMuse is straightforward, and you can even let another AI agent do it for you. Here are the steps shown in the episode.

  1. Go to the OpenMuse GitHub repository to get the code and details.
  2. Copy the GitHub information and give it to Claude or your preferred AI agent to handle the setup.
  3. Let the agent configure the technical parts like the browser, container, and file area.
  4. Once set up, open the app in your browser to start using it.

You don't need to manage all the technical setup yourself—the AI can do it for you. The interface opens like a web app, and you can start connecting your apps right away.

The default model in the Muse config file is GPT-5, but you can change it to any model you prefer.

04Using OpenMuse for Real Tasks

In the episode, Julian Goldie shows several practical uses for OpenMuse. You can use it to scan the latest news, plan trips, manage your inbox, and more.

  • News scanning: Ask it to find the latest AI automation news, and it will search and summarize.
  • Planning: Give it a task like 'help me get ready for an aquarium trip,' and it will create a list of things to do.
  • Email and calendar: Connect Gmail and calendar, and it can check your inbox, summarize messages, and schedule events.
  • Goals: Create personal goals for health, relationships, or other areas, and it tracks them.

You can also approve actions it takes, like putting a coffee meeting on your schedule. It shows recent activities, tasks in progress, and completed tasks, so you always know what it's doing.

The browser feature lets you take control at any point, like if you need to log in somewhere.

05How OpenMuse Compares to ChatGPT DOTS

Julian Goldie compared OpenMuse to ChatGPT DOTS and Grokbot. He found DOTS not available for many users—he couldn't access it even on the Pro plan.

When he tried to call DOTS for a voice conversation, it wouldn't pick up. He also noted that DOTS and Grokbot are not open source, so you have no control over them.

With OpenMuse, you can change the model, adjust token usage, and modify tasks per month. You're not limited by what the company decides is best.

He described OpenMuse as a mix between Muse and Grokbot, and said he wouldn't compare it to DOTS because DOTS didn't have much of a use case for him. He believes OpenMuse is way more powerful and useful.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid

OpenMuse is easy to use, but there are some tips to keep in mind. Julian recommends not managing all the technical setup yourself—let an AI agent do it.

  • Use AI for setup: Give the GitHub details to Claude or another agent to configure everything.
  • Connect apps carefully: Give it access to your email and calendar only if you trust it—it waits for your approval anyway.
  • Take control when needed: If you need to log in somewhere, use the browser takeover feature.
  • Be aware of free tier limits: Meta's Muse has a capped free tier, but OpenMuse has no such limit.

One limitation is that OpenMuse is new, so you may encounter bugs. Also, you're responsible for your model provider costs, though free models are an option.

Avoid comparing it to closed-source alternatives like DOTS, which are more limited.

07Who Should Use OpenMuse and Why It Matters

OpenMuse is for anyone who wants a free, open source AI assistant they can control fully. It's especially good if you're tired of proprietary agents like ChatGPT DOTS or Grokbot.

Because it's open source, you can modify it to fit your needs. You can connect it to your favorite apps, use it for personal tasks, or even run it in a business.

Julian highlighted that inside the AI Profit Boardroom community, you can get guides and training on AI agents like OpenMuse. He also mentioned Hermes as another good alternative.

If you value control over your AI tools, OpenMuse matters because it gives you that control without cost.