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What the project says the agent can do
HeyAgent describes itself as “A local AI agent that can see, understand, and operate your computer.” According to its official README, it can open applications, control a browser, read the screen, work with files, create Google Workspace documents, and operate Telegram Desktop conversations. The repository also describes terminal, desktop-app, and phone-based control paths. These are project documentation claims, not independently verified performance results.
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The README describes an orchestration flow that routes requests, plans actions, runs a harness and tool loop, and verifies results. It also lists queueing and loop protection, persistent identity and memory, selectable skills, and model selection with failover. That outlines the documented system design, but the available evidence does not establish its internal implementation details or comparative reliability.
What you need before setup
- Runtime and tools: Node.js 22 or newer, npm, and Git.
- Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 is recommended for the most complete desktop-control experience. The README also documents macOS and Linux options, with some additional setup dependencies.
- Browser: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Yandex Browser is recommended.
- Model access: A supported model-provider API key, AWS Bedrock access, or a local Ollama model. Ollama must already be installed and running if you choose it.
The repository does not state minimum CPU, memory, graphics, or storage requirements, so there is no documented hardware specification to use when choosing a computer.
#1 Best Overall
How the documented setup works
The README’s setup is organized as a sequence rather than a single standalone desktop-control command. Use the repository’s current installation instructions for the exact commands and configuration values; they are not reproduced here because the available documentation summary does not provide them.
- Install and build the project. Start with the repository’s installation instructions after confirming the Node.js, npm, and Git prerequisites.
- Onboard the agent. Complete the project’s onboarding flow before asking it to perform tasks.
- Connect and select a model. Configure a supported cloud provider or connect a running local Ollama model, then choose the model the agent should use.
- Run a task. Begin with a bounded task and confirm the requested outcome rather than assuming that an issued action succeeded.
A gateway is required for the desktop application, Telegram bot, cron jobs, and background missions. The README’s instructions distinguish these gateway-dependent features from the basic setup flow.
Rank #2
Choose a control and model setup
| Choice | What the documentation establishes | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 | Recommended for the most complete desktop-control experience. | Best match when broad desktop control is the priority. |
| macOS or Linux | Documented as options; optional packages include command-line tools for mouse, keyboard, and window management. | Expect additional OS-specific setup. On macOS, grant Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions to the terminal or application running HeyAgent. |
| Cloud model provider | The README lists supported cloud providers, AWS Bedrock, and OpenRouter-compatible services. | Requires the relevant provider access and securely configured credentials. |
| Local Ollama model | Supported when Ollama is installed and running. | Avoids sending prompts to a hosted model provider, but the project documentation does not establish model performance or hardware requirements. |
The repository also documents integrations with Google Workspace APIs, Gmail, Notion, GitHub, and Telegram. ElevenLabs voice replies are optional; the README says an unsupported or failed voice request falls back to text.
Browser profiles and permissions change the risk
By default, HeyAgent uses the real browser profile, making existing tabs and signed-in accounts available to it. The README also describes a disposable guest-profile option. A real profile is convenient when a task needs an existing login; a guest profile limits access to that stored browser context. Neither choice makes the agent’s actions harmless: the project warns that it can interact with the user’s actual desktop, browser profile, files, and connected services.
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On macOS, desktop control may require granting Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions to the terminal or application running the agent. Grant only the permissions needed for the work you intend to delegate, and consider whether a task should use a separate browser profile or account.
Secure credentials and remote access
- Keep secrets out of Git: The README warns against committing configuration files, OAuth JSON, bot tokens, app passwords, or model-provider keys. It says credentials and OAuth tokens are stored outside the repository.
- Pair Telegram before remote control: Pairing stores an allowed chat ID so random users cannot control the computer through the bot. Treat the paired chat as a control surface for the running machine.
- Review access before enabling integrations: A connected service may expose data or actions beyond the immediate task. Review the project’s security model before granting broad permissions.
- Keep tasks bounded: Because the agent can act on real files, accounts, and applications, verify consequential actions rather than granting open-ended authority by default.
What can and cannot be claimed about the build
The title refers to a DEV article by Marat Safiyev, listed as published September 19, but its article page was unavailable for verification. As a result, the author’s code, exact architecture decisions, experiments, and personal setup cannot be responsibly reconstructed. The official HeyAgent repository supports a practical account of requirements, documented capabilities, setup stages, integrations, and security choices; it does not prove the original author used every feature or followed this exact sequence.
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