Anthropic has introduced a new AI model called Claude 3.7 Sonnet. This model is designed to “think” about questions for as long as users want.
It offers both quick responses and more considered, thoughtful answers based on the user’s preference.
Claude 3.7 Sonnet: A Hybrid AI Model
Claude 3.7 Sonnet is the world’s first “hybrid AI reasoning model.” It combines real-time answers with longer, more reasoned responses.
Users can activate the model’s “reasoning” feature to make Claude take longer to think through a question, improving accuracy.
The model is part of Anthropic’s broader strategy to simplify AI for users. Most AI tools require users to choose from a list of options based on cost and capability, but Anthropic wants to make it so that a single model can do it all.
Pricing and Features
Claude 3.7 Sonnet is available to developers starting Monday. However, only premium users can access the reasoning features, while free users will have access to the non-reasoning version.
The model costs $3 per million input tokens and $15 per million output tokens, making it more expensive than some competitors like OpenAI’s o3-mini and DeepSeek’s R1.
The Future of AI Thinking
Claude 3.7 Sonnet introduces reasoning capabilities that AI labs like Anthropic are turning to as traditional AI performance improvements slow down.
Reasoning models break problems into smaller steps, increasing the chances of providing a correct answer. These models mimic deductive thinking, although they don’t think like humans.
Eventually, Anthropic plans for Claude to decide how long it should think before answering without needing user input. The company is also introducing a “visible scratch pad” that allows users to see the model’s internal thought process. Some parts of this may be redacted for trust and safety.
Claude’s Real-World Performance
Anthropic tested Claude 3.7 Sonnet on real-world tasks and found impressive results. In coding tests, Claude outperformed OpenAI’s o3-mini model, with a 62.3% accuracy rate. It also scored 81.2% in simulated retail tasks, beating OpenAI’s o1 model at 73.5%.
Claude 3.7 Sonnet also reduces unnecessary refusals, claiming a 45% improvement over its predecessor, Claude 3.5 Sonnet. This improvement allows it to make more nuanced distinctions in what it will answer.
Claude Code: The Agentic Tool for Developers
Alongside Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Anthropic has launched Claude Code, a new coding tool for developers. It allows users to run tasks directly from the terminal, like explaining code structures or making edits. Claude Code will be available on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis.
Looking Ahead
Anthropic’s release of Claude 3.7 Sonnet marks a bold step in AI development, with the company aiming to lead the AI industry. However, OpenAI is expected to release its own hybrid AI model soon, making it clear that the race for advanced AI capabilities is just getting started.
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