Anthropic's Claude chatbot, designed as a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, distinguishes itself through a strong focus on ethical considerations and safety measures. Unlike its rivals, Claude aims to be a more cautious and responsible AI assistant.
Claude operates similarly to other AI chatbots, allowing users to type prompts and engage in conversations to receive information. In practical tests, Claude's performance was comparable to ChatGPT and Google Gemini, providing organized and detailed responses for tasks such as meal planning, packing lists, and moving preparations. However, Claude's cautious nature sometimes results in overly conservative responses. For example, inquiries about disposing of a piano or purchasing a "burner phone" were flagged as potentially inappropriate, unlike ChatGPT, which provided direct answers.
This caution is a deliberate part of Anthropic's strategy to appeal to businesses seeking AI tools that minimize liability and avoid scandal. Claude's approach is particularly attractive to companies looking for safe and reliable AI solutions.
Anthropic's emphasis on AI safety is rooted in its founders' departure from OpenAI in 2021. Disillusioned by OpenAI’s aggressive strategies, they sought to prioritize AI safety research. Now, Anthropic’s work on consumer and enterprise products reflects this mission. Thompson Paine, a senior product leader at Anthropic, highlights the company's goal of ensuring AI technology benefits society and humanity. This includes applications like summarizing extensive data for cancer researchers and helping parents assist their children with homework.
Claude launched on the web in March 2023, with a free iOS app available for about a month. The free version offers a limited number of daily queries using the Claude 3.5 Sonnet model. For users needing more extensive use, a pro plan is available for $20 per month, or $30 per user for a higher-tier business team plan, providing more queries and access during peak times.
Claude offers a blend of utility and ethical rigour, presenting a reliable assistant emphasizing safety. While its conservative approach may not suit all users, it provides a compelling option for businesses and individuals prioritizing secure and responsible AI use. As AI technology continues to evolve, Anthropic’s commitment to ethical AI development ensures that Claude remains a significant player in the competitive landscape of AI chatbots.