Claude 3.7 Sonnet Adds Web Search, Closing Gap with ChatGPT
Anthropic is leveling the playing field! Their Claude 3.7 Sonnet model, already notable as the industry's first hybrid reasoning model, now boasts web search capabilities. This enhancement significantly improves Claude's accuracy and utility by granting it access to the most up-to-date information.
Previously, Claude's knowledge was limited to data available up to October 2024. Asking about recent events often resulted in incomplete or inaccurate responses. Now, with web search integrated, Claude can provide current and well-informed answers, bolstering its performance in tasks requiring real-time data.
How Web Search Works in Claude
When Claude utilizes web search to answer your queries, it provides citations, allowing you to easily verify the sources and ensure the accuracy of the information provided. This commitment to transparency is a welcome addition.
Availability
Currently, web search functionality is available to Claude subscribers in the US. Anthropic plans to expand access to free users and other countries in the near future, so keep an eye out for updates.
Playing Catch-Up with OpenAI
This update positions Anthropic closer to OpenAI, which introduced ChatGPT Search to paying subscribers last fall and subsequently made it available to all users, even those without an account, in early February. While Anthropic might be playing catch-up, the addition of web search to Claude 3.7 Sonnet is a significant step forward for the platform and its users.
Source: Engadget