Computer Use OOTB vs Contop

Computer Use OOTB is an open-source framework for automating desktop tasks through a graphical interface, using API-based or locally running models. It supports Windows and macOS and provides a Gradio interface without requiring Docker. Users can configure one model for a task or separate models for planning and computer control; listed options include Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o, Qwen models, ShowUI, and UI-TARS. Local inference can avoid API costs, though a task using Claude 3.5 Computer Use may cost a few dollars. Setup requires Miniconda, Python 3.12 or newer, dependency installation, and starting the interface with `python app.py`. ShowUI local runs require a CUDA-enabled NVIDIA GPU with at least 6 GB of GPU memory on Windows, or an M1-or-newer Apple Silicon Mac with at least 16 GB unified RAM. A mobile browser can send commands to the computer running the software. The project uses an Apache-2.0 license. Its README warns that model actions can be unintended or harmful and recommends monitoring them; anyone with a public Gradio link may be able to control the computer.

Contop is an open-source remote compute agent for controlling a desktop from a phone. It streams the screen in real time, accepts voice or text input, and can carry out tasks autonomously. The agent can run terminal commands, interact with the desktop and Chrome, and read, edit, or search files; the maker lists 33 built-in tools for commands, screen control, file management, and workflow automation. Users can create reusable skills using prompt instructions, YAML workflows, Python tools, or combinations. Listed AI providers are Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter, with per-role model selection. Connections include LAN, Tailscale, and Cloudflare Tunnel, with automatic path selection and fallback. The site says phone-to-desktop traffic is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS and does not pass through third-party servers. Risky commands can be blocked, sandboxed, or held for approval, and session logs record prompts, commands, tools, and results. Android is available via Google Play; iOS is coming soon. Desktop downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux require Python 3.12 or later.