# Anthropic Develops Autonomous Agent Conway with Webhooks and Extensions
Anthropic is testing the Conway platform, which turns Claude into an autonomous agent with persistent access to the browser, webhooks, and an extensions ecosystem. Traces found in the code indicate a full-fledged working environment with Search, Chat, and System sections that operates independently of user prompts.
Autonomous Environment Without Prompts
Conway creates an isolated web page instance where the agent operates independently. Unlike the standard Claude chat or Cowork tool, the platform is triggered by external events via webhooks—public URLs for things like incoming emails or data updates.
Settings include an Extensions section for .cnw.zip packages. This lays the groundwork for an ecosystem where developers can add new functionality. It supports direct Chrome connections and integration with Claude Code, enabling the agent to interact with external resources without intermediaries.
The interface is divided into three zones:
- Search: search and navigation.
- Chat: internal agent communication.
- System: system settings and monitoring.
This structure transforms Conway into a full workspace, not just a simple add-on.
Ties to Claude Code Leaks
Conway integrates features from the March 31 Claude Code source code leak. Among 512,000 lines of TypeScript, 44 hidden feature flags were discovered, including:
- KAIROS—coding agent.
- DREAM—nighttime memory consolidation.
Conway serves as a shell that unites these components into a single platform. This lets the agent retain context, learn from experience, and handle tasks autonomously.
Restrictions for Third-Party Tools
Starting April 4, Anthropic blocked use of Claude Pro and Max subscription limits for OpenClaw and other external agents. Claude Code lead Boris Cherny explained: subscriptions aren't meant for third-party tool patterns.
The community reaction has been sharp. Peter Steinberger, former OpenClaw founder (now at OpenAI), pointed out the suspicious timing: copying features into a closed product, then blocking open source.
Competition with OpenClaw
Conway is positioned as a native rival to OpenClaw. Key advantages:
- Deep integration with Claude, no OAuth workarounds needed.
- Native .cnw.zip extensions.
- True autonomy via webhooks and browser access.
For mid- and senior-level developers, this shifts from fragmented tools to a unified ecosystem. However, the platform's closed nature limits customization compared to open source alternatives.
Key takeaways:
- Conway: autonomous instance with webhooks for event-driven activation.
- .cnw.zip Extensions build an extensions ecosystem.
- KAIROS and DREAM integration from Claude Code for coding and memory.
- OpenClaw blocked from Claude Pro/Max subscriptions starting April 4.
- Direct OpenClaw competitor with native Claude ties.
— Editorial Team
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