01What Is StarNet AI Agent?

StarNet AI agent is a free, open-source AI agent harness that looks like a pixel art station. It lets you create and manage AI agents visually, with a fun and smooth interface. You can run it with local models or connect to your existing subscriptions like Grok or Claude Code.

In this episode, Julian Goldie tests StarNet and shows how to set it up in a few clicks. He explains that it's like a Tamagotchi for your AI agent, where you can watch it wake up, level up, and work on tasks. It's not just practical; it's also enjoyable to use.

02Main Features of StarNet AI Agent

StarNet is packed with features that make managing AI agents easy and fun. Here are the main ones shown in the episode:

  • Pixel art station – You see your agents in a 3D-like space station that you can zoom in and out on.
  • Customizable agents – Change the name, appearance, personality (warm, dry, composed, unhinged), and approval mode (ask for approval or full power).
  • Multiple model support – Connect to Grok, Claude Code, Kimi, or local models. You can even prefer Grok 4.7 over 4.6.
  • Leveling system – The more you use an agent, the more it levels up.
  • App and skill catalog – Add apps like Gmail, Notion, GitHub, or skills like ad copy testing and calendar scheduling.
  • Multiple agents – Create a crew of agents, deploy them, or summon them to work side by side.

03How to Set Up StarNet AI Agent

Setting up StarNet is quick and simple, as Julian shows in the episode. You can create an AI agent in one or two clicks. Here are the steps he walked through:

  1. Open StarNet and click to create a new AI agent.
  2. Give your agent a name.
  3. Change its appearance and personality (e.g., warm, dry, composed, unhinged).
  4. Choose the approval mode: ask for approval or full power.
  5. Connect a brain – sign in with Grok, Claude Code, or use a local model via API.
  6. Select the model (e.g., Grok 4.7) and set the reasoning level (high, medium, low, or max).
  7. Click to finish, and your agent will wake up with a nice animation.

04How to Use StarNet AI Agent: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Using StarNet is intuitive. Once your agent is awake, you can manage it in several ways. Julian demonstrated a conversation and a task example.

To chat with your agent, go to the chat area and send a message. Julian asked his agent, "What made you want to set up an AI agent?" The agent replied and showed it was online and its level.

To give a task, you can start a new session and specify a project. For example, Julian plugged in "AIprofitboardroom.com" and asked for SEO help. The agent then worked on it.

Note that there might be a slight delay when you send a message, so be patient.

You can switch between agents on the left side, manage projects and sessions, and add widgets from the plus sign at the top. Widgets include connected apps, pinned widgets, and a daily brief that you can customize.

05Results and Comparisons: StarNet vs Other Tools

In the episode, Julian compares StarNet to other similar tools. He says that when he tested other office-style add-ons, they weren't as nice as StarNet. He calls StarNet "probably the most fun and the smoothest version" he's seen so far.

He also says it feels like a much more fun version of Paperclip, a tool he has used before. He remembers testing Hermes agent for the first time and says StarNet gives him a similar feeling. He thinks it could get big if many people start using it.

Julian didn't run any formal tests, but he did connect to Grok successfully and noted that the agent worked smoothly. He also mentioned being unimpressed with Grok 4.6, so he chose Grok 4.7 for better performance.

06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid with StarNet

StarNet is powerful, but there are some things to keep in mind. Julian shared a few tips and warnings during the episode.

First, when you send a message, there may be a slight delay. Don't think it's broken; just wait a moment.

Second, you can set approval levels to prevent the agent from doing something crazy in the background. This is especially useful if you're not used to using agents.

Third, some apps require an API key, but most let you sign in directly. The episode shows that signing in directly is easy and quick.

Fourth, you can change the agent's access to web, local files, and more. You can delete permissions if you don't want the agent to have them.

Finally, remember that StarNet is free and open-source, so you can use it with existing subscriptions. Don't pay extra if you already have access to models like Grok or Claude.

07Who Is StarNet AI Agent For and Why It Matters

StarNet is for anyone who enjoys playing with AI agents or wants a more engaging way to manage them. Julian admits that there isn't a massive amount of practical use cases for it, but it's fun to set up and play with.

It matters because it makes AI agents more accessible and enjoyable. The visual interface and leveling system turn a technical task into a game. This could attract more people to try AI agents, even if they aren't developers.

Julian sees potential for growth. He says, "I could see how this gets big," and notes that if many people start using it, it will be a fun one. The ability to connect to real-world services like Gmail and GitHub makes it useful for automation tasks, too.

For those who want to learn more about AI agents, Julian mentions the AI Profit Boardroom community, where you can get training and support, and even build StarNet into an agent operating system if you wish.