Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterHermes has just dropped its biggest update ever—a new bot mode that radically changes how you interact with its AI agents. Modeled closely on the popular Grockbot, Hermes now lets you manage multiple specialized bots with a fresh, more dynamic interface.
Hermes Reinvents Itself with a Bot Mode Inspired by Grockbot
Hermes, a well-regarded AI agent platform, just unveiled its most significant update: the introduction of a bot mode that transforms the user experience. This mode is a clear nod to Grockbot, an AI tool that revolutionized agent interaction by letting users handle multiple specialized bots simultaneously, each with their own identity and capabilities. Though some might call it a copy, this move reflects a smart strategy—when a competitor nails a feature that users love, adopting it makes sense.
The new Hermes bot mode organizes your AI agents—previously called profiles—on the left side of the desktop interface. You chat with each bot individually in the middle, with scheduled tasks or “cron jobs” visible on the right. These tasks mirror the routines in Grockbot, creating a streamlined workflow for managing different responsibilities across your digital team.
More Customizable but Less Polished Than Grockbot
What sets Hermes apart from Grockbot is customization. You can pick your AI provider and model for each bot, even using local models running on your own hardware. For instance, one of the author’s bots runs on a powerful RTX 5090 GPU locally—a flexibility Grockbot can’t offer, since it’s limited to Grock’s proprietary models. Power users with subscriptions spread across ChatGPT, Claude, and others will appreciate this freedom.
On the flip side, this level of choice might overwhelm 80% of users who just want a plug-and-play AI solution. Grockbot keeps things simple—no need to juggle multiple models or providers. That’s a key reason why Grockbot appeals to most newcomers and those wanting a hassle-free experience.
Agent-to-Agent Communication: An Area Still in Progress
One of Grockbot’s standout features is its agent-to-agent communication. Bots actively share information and delegate tasks within their own virtual environments, creating a lively and efficient collaboration. Hermes has tried to replicate this but the execution feels less natural. When a Hermes bot assigns a task to another, the receiving bot isn’t always aware or involved in the process. The result is that the workflow feels less seamless and slightly tacked on.
Another stark difference concerns how each platform handles virtual computers. Grockbot assigns every agent a separate virtual machine with its own browser and tools, which safeguards your personal accounts and creates clean boundaries. Hermes, by default, runs bots locally on your machine, meaning the AI can interact with your personal accounts directly—a riskier setup. While Hermes does support plugins for virtual machines, they require extra setup and don’t feel as integrated as Grockbot’s built-in environment.
Desktop Focus vs. Grockbot’s Mobile Flexibility
Unlike Grockbot, Hermes’ new bot mode is desktop-only. Grockbot shines with its top-tier mobile app that resembles iMessage—smooth, instant, and perfect for working on the go. This is a huge advantage, especially when tasks crop up away from your workstation. Hermes, however, lacks any mobile app support for bot mode, which is a major drawback for users who prefer working from their phones.
Does Hermes Replace Grockbot?
Despite the improvements, Hermes hasn’t dethroned Grockbot as the go-to for most AI multitasking needs. Grockbot offers a cleaner, more intuitive interface, superior agent collaboration, and robust virtualization that enhance both security and productivity. Its mobile app is another compelling reason why it continues as the daily driver for many.
Still, Hermes holds its ground, particularly for power users relying on local AI models and deep customization. Its ability to mix different AI providers and run tasks directly on your devices is unmatched. For heavy-duty local AI workflows—like tinkering with files or running custom code—Hermes remains the stronger tool.
Who Should Use Which Tool?
Pricing also factors into the decision. Grockbot’s advanced features come at a steep cost, with subscriptions running at $200 to $300 per month, making it prohibitive for many. Hermes offers access to free and lower-cost models, which makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users eager to experiment and leverage local AI.
For newcomers or those seeking simplicity, Grockbot’s out-of-the-box experience is likely more satisfying. Power users and enthusiasts who want fine control and local model support will find Hermes irresistible—especially with this new bot mode upgrade. Many users might benefit from running both in tandem to play to the strengths of each.
The Future of AI Agents
Hermes’ bot mode update is a bold move to keep pace with rapid innovation in AI platforms. While some features feel like last-minute add-ons, the core idea—splitting AI tasks across specialized bots to reduce bloat and improve efficiency—is fundamentally sound. It echoes a broader trend of AI agents becoming more modular, streamlined, and personality-driven.
This space is changing fast. One month from now, neither Hermes nor Grockbot will look or feel like they do today. If you want the most out of AI assistants, trying out these new workflows sooner rather than later is the way to go.
For those interested, a brain dump and reverse prompt setup is recommended to get your bots fine-tuned quickly. This approach helps you harness the power of multiple agents working in harmony, whether on Hermes or Grockbot.
