Anthropic has announced a significant update to its popular AI chatbot, Claude, introducing a new voice mode for its mobile app. This feature, currently in beta, is available in English for all users, including those on the free plan, though with some usage limitations.
How Voice Mode Works
Claude's voice mode functions similarly to those found in other AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT. Users can activate the feature by tapping an icon reminiscent of the Gemini Live button. Once enabled, users can speak directly to Claude and receive voice responses, with key points displayed on-screen for easy reference. This seamless integration allows users to switch between text and voice within the same conversation.
The app offers five distinct voices for Claude, which can be changed at any time via the Settings menu under Voice Preferences.
Inbox and Calendar Integration
One of the standout features of Claude's new voice mode is its ability to access and interact with Google Calendar and Gmail accounts. Users can ask Claude to check their schedule, search their inbox, or even draft emails. However, these integrations are exclusive to paid plans, which start at $20 per month for the Pro tier and go up to $200 per month for the Max 20x plan.
Usage Limits and Availability
While voice mode is accessible to all users, there are usage restrictions based on subscription level. Free users can expect approximately 20-30 voice messages per session before hitting their limit, while paid subscribers benefit from significantly higher allowances.
Keeping Pace with Rivals
This update positions Claude as a more competitive digital assistant, addressing a previous gap compared to rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini, which already offered voice capabilities. In addition to voice mode, Anthropic recently upgraded Claude's underlying language models to Opus 4.0 and Sonnet 4.0. Opus 4.0 is designed for advanced tasks such as coding, while Sonnet 4.0 offers improved performance for everyday use over its predecessor.
With these enhancements, Claude aims to deliver a more interactive and productive experience for users seeking AI-powered assistance in their daily routines.
