What runs where
The app and its Python sessions run on your computer. If you use a cloud model, the messages and tool results it needs are sent to that provider. With a local model they stay on your machine, but browsing and online tools still use the internet.
It acts as you
VARIANT-1 is not a sandbox. Code the model runs has the same access you do: it can read and change files, start programs, use the network, and on Windows operate other apps. Choosing a project folder doesn’t fence it in.
So give clear instructions, work on copies of anything important, and look over changes before you rely on them.
Choose a browser
Browser tasks can use the built-in browser, a separate Chromium browser that VARIANT-1 manages, or a copy of one of your own browser profiles. The copy keeps its own state: changes you make later in your normal browser don’t flow into it, and changing the default doesn’t switch a chat that already picked one.
Steer, queue, and stop
Steer sends a correction to the task in progress; it takes effect once the current Python step finishes. Queue lines up your next message to run afterwards. Stop asks the task to end.
Stopping can take a moment, and it can’t undo what already happened, like a saved file or a sent message. After an interruption, check what was done before repeating a step.
See what happened
The activity view marks steps that failed, were stopped, or ended with an uncertain outcome, rather than calling everything a success. Previews hide recognised passwords and keys. The Review pane shows file changes as readable cards, browses Git history across branches, and lets you ask the agent to commit, push, or open a pull request.
Changes outside the app
For anything that sends, publishes, or overwrites, say exactly where it goes and what should change, and ask for a preview first if you want one. Keep passwords and personal details out of shared prompts, screenshots, and bug reports.
Your provider’s terms still apply
Each model route has its own privacy terms, prices, and limits. The free app doesn’t change those or include any usage. See Models & connections when choosing one. VARIANT-1’s own code is MIT licensed; bundled third-party parts keep their own licences.