Claude 4: A New Generation of AI Models
This article reviews the newly released Claude 4 models, focusing on their capabilities and improvements over previous versions. We'll cover the key features, model options, and initial performance observations.
Claude 4 Models: Opus and Sonnet
Claude 4 comes in two models: Opus and Sonnet. This is consistent with previous releases like 3.7 and 3.5.
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Opus: The most powerful model, available with a paid plan. Advertised as the current "best programming model in the world."
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Sonnet: Replaces the previous 3.7 model and is available for free.
Key Improvements and Features
Claude 4 brings several significant updates and features:
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Superior Programming: Building upon previous versions, Claude 4 emphasizes its strength in programming tasks.
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Extended Thinking with Tools (Beta): Both Opus and Sonnet can utilize tools, including web search, during extended reasoning processes. This allows them to alternate between reasoning and tool use, improving response speed and accuracy.
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Tool Use and Precision: The models can execute instructions with greater precision.
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Local File Access and Implicit Knowledge: Developers can grant access to local files, enabling the models to build "implicit knowledge" over time. This feature is similar to the memory capabilities recently updated by OpenAI.
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Anthropic API Updates: Four new features will be released on the Anthropic API to facilitate the development of powerful AI agents: code execution tools, MCP connectors, file API, and prompt caching (up to one hour).
Hybrid Reasoning Mode
Like Claude 3.7, Claude 4 utilizes a hybrid reasoning mode.
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Simple Questions: For straightforward queries, the model defaults to a mode without deep reasoning.
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Complex Questions: For tougher questions, the model engages in more intensive reasoning, which may require more time to generate a response.
Claude Code
Claude Code is now officially launched alongside Claude 4, after a preview release in February. It is intended for deep integration, with a focus on full-context operations, like deep research, building app prototypes, and coordinating complex project plans.
Memory Capabilities
Claude Opus 4 offers significantly improved memory capabilities. When given access to local files, it can create and maintain memory files to store key information. This enhances long-term task awareness and improves overall coherence and performance in agent tasks. As an example, Opus 4 successfully created a navigation guide while playing Pokemon.
Initial Performance Test: Super Mario Game
An initial test involved prompting Claude 4 to create a playable Super Mario game with specific features like a shockwave effect during jumps. The results were compared to those generated by other AI models, including ChatGPT.
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Claude 4: Produced a functional game, although with some minor issues.
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ChatGPT: Failed to generate a working game, with the initial attempt resulting in errors.
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Landing Page Generation: Claude 4 created a landing page in the style of Apple, which was considered superior to the output generated by ChatGPT.
Quit-Smoking Website Example
Claude 4 was also tasked with creating a cyber quit-smoking website. While the initial code had an error, it was quickly fixed and functional.
Further Testing
A detailed comparison test will be conducted in a future video. Viewers are encouraged to leave their questions and suggestions for models to be tested in the comments.