Anthropic Launches Voice Mode for Claude - AI News

Claude Chatbot Gains Voice Interaction Capabilities

Anthropic has initiated the deployment of a “voice mode” feature for its Claude chatbot applications.

Currently in beta, this voice mode empowers users of the Claude mobile app to engage in fully spoken dialogues with the AI. The rollout will commence in English over the coming weeks, as announced by Anthropic via its official X account and updated website documentation.

Early Access and Core Model

Reports from at least one X user indicate access to the voice mode was granted as early as Tuesday. The feature is initially powered by Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4 model.

According to a dedicated support page, “Voice mode… facilitates communication with Claude through speech, providing responses audibly, which is particularly useful when hands are occupied but cognitive attention remains available.”

How Voice Mode Enhances Interaction

This new mode transforms user interaction by both displaying key takeaways on-screen as Claude speaks and enabling spoken input to the chatbot. Users can then receive spoken responses directly from Claude.

Several other AI developers, including OpenAI, currently offer voice chat functionalities for their respective chatbots. Examples include Google’s Gemini Live and xAI’s Voice Mode for Grok.

Features and Functionality

Anthropic’s voice mode allows users to discuss various content types, such as documents and images. Furthermore, users can select from five different voice options.

Seamless switching between text and voice input is supported, alongside the provision of conversation transcripts and summaries.

Usage Limits and Subscription Benefits

Voice conversations are subject to standard usage limitations. Anthropic estimates that most free users can expect approximately 20-30 voice conversations.

Access to a Google Workspace connector, enabling voice mode to interact with Google Calendar appointments and Gmail emails, is restricted to paid Claude subscribers. Integration with Google Docs is exclusive to Claude Enterprise plans.

Development and Potential Partnerships

Anthropic’s Chief Product Officer, Mike Krieger, confirmed the development of voice capabilities for Claude during a March interview with the Financial Times.

The report indicated that Anthropic was exploring potential collaborations with Amazon, a significant investor and partner, and ElevenLabs, a startup specializing in voice-focused AI, to enhance future voice features within Claude.

Partnership Status

The outcome of these discussions, and whether any partnerships were ultimately established, remains currently unknown.