Anthropic has unveiled a major expansion of its Claude AI assistant with the launch of interactive Claude Apps. Powered by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Claude can now directly interact with popular workplace tools including Slack, Figma, Canva, Asana, and more.
What Are Claude Apps?
Claude Apps represent a significant evolution in how AI assistants integrate with existing workflows. Rather than simply answering questions or generating text, Claude can now take actions within connected applications:
- Slack Integration: Send messages, manage channels, search conversations
- Figma Integration: Create designs, modify layouts, generate assets
- Canva Integration: Design graphics, edit templates, export files
- Asana Integration: Create tasks, update projects, manage workflows
- And More: Support for additional apps coming soon
The Model Context Protocol (MCP)
At the heart of this update is Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that allows AI models to securely connect to external tools and data sources. MCP provides:
Key MCP Features
- Secure Connections: OAuth-based authentication for safe tool access
- Contextual Awareness: Claude understands the context of each connected app
- Action Capabilities: Not just reading data, but taking real actions
- Open Standard: Developers can build their own MCP integrations
"MCP transforms Claude from a conversational assistant into a true workflow partner. Users can now ask Claude to complete real tasks, not just discuss them." - Anthropic spokesperson
Real-World Use Cases
For Project Managers
"Claude, create a project in Asana for our Q2 product launch, add tasks for each department, and send a Slack message to the team channel summarizing the timeline."
For Designers
"Claude, create a social media graphic in Canva for our new product announcement using our brand colors, then share the draft in the #design Slack channel for feedback."
For Developers
"Claude, check our Figma designs for the new feature, create corresponding tickets in our project tracker, and post an update in the dev channel."
Privacy and Security
Anthropic emphasizes that Claude Apps maintain strong privacy protections:
- Users explicitly grant permissions for each connected app
- Claude only accesses data when directly relevant to the user's request
- All connections use industry-standard encryption
- Users can revoke access at any time
Availability
Claude Apps are rolling out to Claude Pro and Team subscribers starting today. Enterprise customers will receive access in the coming weeks with additional security and admin controls.
The AI Productivity Race
This launch positions Claude as a more direct competitor to OpenAI's GPT-4 with plugins and Google's Gemini integrations. The ability to take actions within apps, rather than just providing information, represents the next frontier in AI assistant capabilities.
What's Next
Anthropic plans to expand MCP integrations to include:
- CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Email integration (Gmail, Outlook)
- Calendar management
- Code repositories (GitHub, GitLab)
- Customer support tools