Anthropic, a prominent AI startup, is reportedly developing voice capabilities for its AI-powered chatbot, Claude. According to a recent report, the company is working on launching experiences that allow users to interact with its AI models using voice commands.

The news was confirmed by Anthropic's Chief Product Officer, Mike Krieger, in an interview with the Financial Times. Krieger revealed that the company is exploring ways to evolve Claude for desktop use, with a more natural user interface being a key focus area. "We are doing some work around how Claude for desktop evolves... if it is going to be operating your computer, a more natural user interface might be to [speak to it]," Krieger explained.

Krieger also disclosed that Anthropic has been experimenting with voice prototypes internally, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating voice capabilities into Claude. "We will do voice internally... it is a useful modality to have. We have prototypes," he said.

In addition to its internal developments, Anthropic has been engaging in discussions with several partners to accelerate the launch of its voice experience. The company has reportedly held talks with Amazon, its major investor and partner, as well as voice-focused AI startup ElevenLabs. While no deals have been finalized, these collaborations could play a crucial role in shaping the future of voice features for Claude.

Krieger emphasized that Anthropic has been in discussions with "a bunch of partners" to potentially speed up the launch of a voice experience. This suggests that the company is actively exploring various avenues to bring voice capabilities to its chatbot, and is open to collaborations that can help drive innovation in this area.

The development of voice capabilities for Claude is a significant milestone for Anthropic, as it could revolutionize the way users interact with AI models. By enabling voice-based interactions, Anthropic can make its chatbot more accessible and user-friendly, potentially expanding its appeal to a broader range of users.

The implications of this development extend beyond Anthropic, as it could have a ripple effect on the broader AI industry. As voice capabilities become more prevalent in AI chatbots, we can expect to see a shift towards more natural and intuitive user interfaces. This, in turn, could lead to increased adoption of AI-powered chatbots across various industries and applications.

In conclusion, Anthropic's development of voice capabilities for Claude marks an exciting development in the AI landscape. As the company continues to explore new ways to enhance its chatbot, we can expect to see significant advancements in the field of AI-powered user interfaces. With its sights set on launching voice experiences in the near future, Anthropic is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of AI interactions.