Anthropic is rolling out a new “voice mode” for its Claude chatbot apps. This feature, currently in beta, allows users to have spoken conversations with Claude through the mobile app. It will be available in English over the next few weeks.
Some users have already gained access. The voice mode runs on Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4 model, offering a hands-free way to interact with the AI. According to a support page, this mode lets you speak to Claude and hear responses, making it convenient when your hands are busy but your mind is active.
Voice mode provides several features. Users can chat about documents or images, select from five different voice options, and switch between text and voice easily. After conversations, you can view a transcript and summary on-screen.
However, there are some limitations. Voice conversations count toward the usual usage limits. Free users can expect around 20-30 conversations. Only paying subscribers can access features that allow voice mode to pull information from Google Calendar and Gmail. These advanced options are also reserved for Claude Enterprise plans.
Anthropic’s Chief Product Officer, Mike Krieger, mentioned in an interview with the Financial Times that they were exploring voice capabilities and potential partnerships, including talks with Amazon and voice AI startup ElevenLabs. The outcomes of these discussions are still unclear.
Voice features are becoming a trend in the AI space. Other companies like OpenAI and Google have their own voice options. For instance, Google’s Gemini Live and xAI’s Grok also let users converse by speaking, aiming to make interactions more intuitive and natural.
As of now, voice mode is a significant step for Anthropic, aiming to enhance user experience while reflecting a growing trend in AI technology. This shift toward voice interaction is not just about convenience; it also highlights user preferences for seamless communication. Studies show that voice interaction can increase engagement, as many people prefer speaking to typing, especially in busy settings.
For more detailed insights on the evolution of AI communication tools, check out reports from trusted sources like TechCrunch and Forrester.
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