Anthropic launches "smartest" AI model! "Hybrid mode" simplifies user experience.

American artificial intelligence startup company Anthropic released its "smartest" artificial intelligence model to date, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, on Monday. This model is also the first hybrid reasoning model on the market, providing both near real-time responses and detailed step-by-step thinking processes. This novel approach may help this Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.US)-backed artificial intelligence startup stand out in a competitive environment. Specifically, Claude 3.7 Sonnet will offer two modes of thinking - "standard" and "expanded". "Standard thinking" provides immediate answers without the need for complex reasoning processes. "Expanded thinking" requires providing complex reasoning processes and will display a detailed chain of reasoning, allowing users to see how the model analyzes problems step by step and applies logic; API users can also finely control the model's thinking time. In recent months, more and more artificial intelligence startups, including OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Musk's xAI, have launched new models that display detailed chains of reasoning. However, Anthropic believes that users may sometimes prefer something simpler. Mike Krieger, Chief Product Officer of Anthropic, stated that this "hybrid mode" is a way to simplify the user's chatbot usage process, allowing them to use multiple functions without having to consider which one is the best choice. He said, "Models have their own personalities; they are all a little different. I hope end users don't have to think too much." Jared Kaplan, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Anthropic, stated, "This model integrates all functions. We want a coherent artificial intelligence that can help us with everything. For our customers, simplicity is an advantage." Similar to Claude 3.7 Sonnet, "hybrid modes" may soon become more common. After spending years rapidly releasing more powerful artificial intelligence models, some developers are now considering how to make the user experience less complex. In fact, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at moving in a similar direction in early February. He posted on the social platform X, saying that the AI company plans to "better share future roadmaps and do better in simplifying product systems." Meanwhile, reports indicate that Anthropic is finalizing a $3.5 billion financing round, which would bring the company's valuation to $615 billion. Anthropic originally planned to raise $20 billion, but investors have now agreed to invest more funds. It is reported that Anthropic's annual revenue is close to $1.2 billion, but it is currently operating at a loss. Anthropic stated that the funds from this financing will be used to develop more advanced artificial intelligence technology. Potential investors participating in this financing round include Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Abu Dhabi investment company MGX. If the financing round reaches $3.5 billion, Anthropic's total funding will reach close to $18 billion.