Manus AI's Invitation Codes Are Selling for Up to $13K — and the Internet Can't Decide If It's Genius or a Scam

Is This the Future of AI or Just a Fad? Explore the Hype Surrounding Manus AI's Meteoric Rise.

Welcome to this edition where we dive deep into the whirlwind debut of Manus AI, the latest sensation in artificial intelligence. As excitement builds and questions arise about its capabilities, we invite you to consider: Are we witnessing a groundbreaking leap toward artificial general intelligence or a classic hype-driven spectacle? Join us as we unpack the buzz, benchmarks, and potential pitfalls associated with this fascinating development.

📰 Latest Buzz: Manus AI Edition

Manus AI, the autonomous agent developed by the team behind Monica AI, has rocketed into the spotlight since its March 5 debut. Dubbed a potential "first AGI" (artificial general intelligence), its ability to execute real-world tasks—from stock analysis to travel planning—has sparked a frenzy, drawing comparisons to pivotal moments like ChatGPT’s rise.

Here’s why it’s dominating conversations:

• Public Interest Surge: Invitation codes are reportedly selling for 10,000–100,000 RMB (≈$1,379–$13,791 USD), reflecting sky-high demand. The buzz crashed its servers, forcing the team to admit their setup was only meant for demos (read more).

• Why It Matters: Manus outperformed OpenAI’s models in the GAIA benchmark, scoring 86.5% vs. 74.3% on basic tasks and widening the gap at higher complexity levels. Investors hail it as a leap toward AGI, fueling a tech stock rally reminiscent of DeepSeek’s rise (details).

Behind the hype: The low-profile team, including founders Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao, previously built Monica AI (used by millions). While early adopters praise its capabilities, the team warns this is just a preview—the final product remains in development. Meanwhile, its sudden fame triggered unrelated scams, leading to a temporary X (Twitter) account suspension.

Stay tuned as this story evolves—Manus could redefine how AI integrates into daily life. Dive deeper.

🤖 What Makes Manus AI Tick?

Manus AI isn’t just another chatbot—it’s a multitasking powerhouse designed to tackle real-world challenges. Here’s a closer look at what it can do, where it’s struggling, and why the debate about its significance is heating up.

Capabilities in Focus

Manus AI flexes its muscles by executing complex, cross-application tasks autonomously. From building custom websites and analyzing stock trends to planning detailed travel itineraries and sourcing B2B suppliers, it operates like a digital Swiss Army knife. Early benchmarks reveal its edge: it outperformed OpenAI’s models in the GAIA benchmark, scoring 86.5% vs. 74.3% on basic tasks and widening the gap at higher complexity levels (see breakdown). Investors and users alike are buzzing about its potential to act as a "general-purpose AI," handling workflows that typically require human intervention.

Server Woes: Capacity Crunch

The hype isn’t without hiccups. After its March 5 debut, Manus faced a server meltdown as invitation-code demand spiked. The team admitted their infrastructure was only designed for demos, not mass traffic (SCMP). To make matters worse, its X (Twitter) account was suspended amid scam attempts exploiting its viral fame. Product partner Zhang Tao publicly apologized, clarifying that the current preview is a bare-bones version of their long-term vision.

Think About It: The Next Big Leap?

Is Manus AI the dawn of AGI? Its founders—Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao, who previously built the Monica AI assistant—argue it’s a step closer. Critics, however, caution against overhyping an unfinished product. While its GAIA scores and task versatility are impressive, the team acknowledges this is merely a proof of concept. For now, Manus sits at the center of a pivotal question: Is this a ChatGPT moment for autonomous agents, or a cautionary tale about premature acclaim? Dive deeper into its capabilities.

📈 What’s Next for Traders?

Manus AI’s explosive debut has sent ripples through tech markets, mirroring the DeepSeek R1 rally of late 2024. With invitation codes trading at 10,000–100,000 RMB and GAIA benchmark scores outperforming OpenAI (see breakdown), traders are eyeing volatility—and opportunity—in the AI sector.

Here’s how to navigate the hype:

• Watch Chinese AI Innovators & Infrastructure Firms: The team behind Monica AI (millions of users) is doubling down on Manus. Companies linked to its tech stack (e.g., cloud providers, semiconductor suppliers) could see spillover demand as Manus scales beyond its current server-capped demo phase (SCMP).

• Assess Hype vs. Reality Risks: While Manus’s GAIA scores (Level 3: 57.7% vs. OpenAI’s 47.6%) suggest technical superiority, its unfinished state and server instability pose short-term risks. Monitor AI ETFs for volatility tied to Manus-related updates.

• Consider AGI-Adjacent Sectors: If Manus evolves into a true “general-purpose AI,” industries like logistics, SaaS, and B2B services could disrupt traditional workflows. Early partnerships with Manus-enabled platforms might signal long-term plays.

Closing Thought: The AI gold rush is back—but tread carefully. Manus’s blend of promise and growing pains (server crashes, scam-driven X suspensions) mirrors crypto’s boom-bust cycles. Ready to ride the wave? Analyze the benchmarks.