Anthropic, the AI startup behind the Claude chatbot, just rolled out a major update that puts its product toe-to-toe with ChatGPT—and even nudges ahead in a few key areas. The newly launched conversational voice mode is now available on Claude’s mobile apps (iOS and Android), enabling users to interact with the AI using natural speech. On top of that, Anthropic has expanded web search access to all free users, a move that broadens the reach and utility of Claude’s capabilities.

Available initially in English, the new voice mode enables Pro and Max subscribers to connect Claude to Google Calendar, Gmail, and Google Docs, pulling in personalized content and summarizing it out loud. Voice chats are transcribed, summarized, and stored as visual notes, while users can seamlessly switch between voice and text without losing the conversation flow.

Key Points

• Claude’s voice mode is available now for mobile users via the App Store and Google Play, but is limited to English and not yet available on desktop or via API.
• Subscribers on Claude Pro and Claude Max plans can connect the AI to their Google Docs, Gmail, and Calendar for real-time, voice-enabled personal assistance.
• Voice mode includes five distinct voices—Buttery, Airy, Mellow, Glassy, and Rounded—with unique tones and conversational quirks.
• Voice interactions are fully transcribed, summarized, and paired with visual notes to help users revisit key points.
• Users can switch between voice and text on the fly, maintaining full conversation continuity.
• Voice mode supports rich media discussions, such as talking through documents or images.
• Web search is now available to all free plan users, giving them access to real-time internet information.
• Anthropic has previously worked with Amazon Alexa+ and Otter AI, and brings that experience into this new voice experience.
• This update aligns with a broader push to make Claude a more interactive, integrated, and daily-use AI companion.

Key Quotes

“Early implementation of voice but something that I’ve already found very fun and useful.” – Alex Albert, Head of Claude Relations at Anthropic

“Let us know how you like it (the good and the bad) so we can make it much better in the future!” – Alex Albert on X

“Users can ask via the conversational voice interface for Claude to check their Google Calendars, Gmail, and Google Docs for specific information…”

Implications

This update puts Claude directly in competition with ChatGPT’s voice features, but with a critical advantage: deeper Google integration for Pro users. The ability to talk to your AI about your schedule, emails, and documents—and get coherent summaries read back to you—is a step closer to a truly intelligent assistant.

For free users, gaining web search opens up new possibilities for real-time insights and answers without needing to upgrade.

Overall, this is a strong move in the ongoing AI arms race, signaling that Anthropic is not just keeping pace—but actively innovating in user interactivity and utility.

Source: https://venturebeat.com/ai/anthropic-debuts-conversational-voice-mode-for-claude-mobile-apps/

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