Anthropic updates Claude voice mode with Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku

In short: Anthropic has updated Claude’s voice mode so people can use different Claude models and connect it to work apps like Gmail and Google Calendar.

What happened

Anthropic said users can now choose between three Claude models in voice mode: Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku. A “model” is the version of the AI you are talking to (like choosing between a basic, standard, or premium engine in a car). Claude’s voice mode first launched last year and only used Haiku, which was fast but not ideal for more complex work.

With this update, voice mode will usually stick with the last model a person used in Claude’s regular text chat. It will also use the fastest version of that model by default, according to the company.

Anthropic also said Claude’s voice mode can now connect to other apps, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack, Canva, and Notion. This lets people ask Claude, by voice, to do practical tasks such as rescheduling a meeting, drafting an email, or creating a document in Notion.

The company said the updated voice mode is meant to handle longer conversations, like practicing a client pitch, brainstorming research, or getting feedback on communication style.

Why it matters

Voice assistants are moving beyond answering questions and toward doing everyday work across the apps people already use. Anthropic’s approach is notable because it combines voice chat with app connections, which can save time on routine tasks, as long as users are comfortable giving an AI assistant access to their accounts.

Anthropic said the feature is available in beta across platforms for all users. Free users are limited to the Haiku model and only one connected app. The company did not announce changes to the underlying voice technology itself, so people may not notice improvements in how natural the conversation feels.

Source: TechCrunch AI