Anthropic’s AI-powered chatbot Claude has introduced a web search capability. Currently available in preview, this new feature is accessible to paid Claude users in the United States. Anthropic has announced plans to expand web search availability to other regions in the future, as well as to offer it to free users. We’ll keep you updated as these expansions roll out.
How Web Search Works in Claude
According to Anthropic, users can activate web search within their profile settings via the Claude web app. Once enabled, the chatbot can automatically search the web when responding to specific queries. At this stage, the feature functions exclusively with Anthropic’s latest AI model, Claude 3.7 Sonnet.
When Claude retrieves information from the web, it provides clear citations, making it easy for users to verify the sources. Rather than presenting raw search results, the chatbot analyzes the data and delivers it in a clear, comprehensible format. Anthropic explained that this update broadens Claude’s knowledge base, ensuring its answers are informed by the most relevant information available.
TechCrunch has tested the web search feature and observed that while the chatbot did not always rely on web search for current events, it did provide answers featuring embedded quotes from various sources. These included social media platforms like X, as well as media outlets such as NPR and Reuters.
Claude Aligns with Competitors
The inclusion of web search brings Claude more in line with other AI-powered chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Mistral’s Le Chat. Anthropic had previously taken a different approach, initially choosing not to integrate web search. The company cited that Claude was originally designed as a standalone platform without relying on external searches.
However, growing competition within the AI chatbot market appears to have influenced Anthropic’s decision to introduce this feature, notes NIX Solutions. By doing so, the company aims to ensure that Claude remains competitive and continues to offer a comprehensive experience to its users.
For now, the web search is only available in preview for U.S.-based paid users, yet we’ll keep you updated as more regions and free users gain access to this functionality.