Anthropic, the Amazon-backed OpenAI rival, has launched its most powerful group of AI models yet: Claude 4. The company has shifted its focus from chatbots to enhancing Claude’s capabilities in complex tasks such as research and coding. According to Jared Kaplan, Anthropic’s chief science officer, the models can analyze thousands of data sources, execute long-running tasks, and write human-quality content.
Key Features of Claude 4
The Claude 4 suite includes two models: Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4. Anthropic claims these models set a “new standard” for AI agents. Claude Opus 4 is touted as the “best coding model in the world” and can autonomously work for nearly seven hours, equivalent to a full corporate workday.
Enhanced Capabilities
Both Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4 can search the web to complete tasks on behalf of users and alternate between reasoning and tool use. When given access to local files, they can extract and save key facts to maintain continuity and build tacit knowledge over time. Mike Krieger, Anthropic’s chief product officer, noted that the new models have crossed a threshold where they can now produce writing that is virtually indistinguishable from his own.
Business Impact
Anthropic’s annualized revenue reached $2 billion in the first quarter, more than doubling from the previous period. The number of customers spending over $100,000 annually with Anthropic has jumped eightfold from the previous year. The company has also secured a $2.5 billion, five-year revolving credit line to enhance its liquidity in the competitive AI landscape.
As the AI arms race intensifies among tech giants and startups, Anthropic’s Claude 4 represents a significant advancement in AI technology, particularly in coding and research capabilities. The company’s focus on developing AI that can perform complex tasks autonomously positions it at the forefront of the industry.
