Claude gets desktop apps and dictation support

Anthropic has unveiled desktop applications for its AI chatbot, Claude, now available in public beta for both Mac and Windows users. This new offering aims to integrate Claude’s features into the users’ preferred work environments, although it doesn’t include the recently introduced Computer Use capability that allows the upgraded Claude 3.5 Sonnet model to execute tasks on a computer.

Both free and premium subscribers can access these desktop applications.

In addition, Anthropic has launched a dictation feature for Claude, though it is not included in the desktop apps at this time. Users on iOS, Android, and iPadOS can record messages of up to 10 minutes, which Claude will transcribe and respond to. It’s important to note that this dictation function resembles sending a voice message rather than facilitating real-time dialogue.

These developments come as Anthropic is reportedly in the process of securing billions in funding, with a valuation exceeding $40 billion. Enhancing Claude’s capabilities is a strategic move to position it competitively against other AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.