Anthropic has introduced Claude 3.5 Haiku, an upgraded chatbot with a larger language model. This latest version surpasses previous iterations in performance, particularly in text generation, but comes with a higher price tag. However, it does not yet include image analysis, a feature supported by other models in Anthropic’s lineup.
The new neural network has been available on the Claude web platform and mobile devices since its launch yesterday. Initially unveiled in November, Claude 3.5 Haiku reportedly matches or exceeds the performance of Anthropic’s flagship Claude 3 Opus in specific tests. According to the company, this model is especially well-suited for tasks such as programming recommendations, data extraction and classification, and content moderation. Additionally, it can generate longer text fragments and utilizes more recent data compared to its predecessor.
Performance and Pricing Controversy
Despite its advancements, Claude 3.5 Haiku has drawn criticism for its pricing. Initially, Anthropic planned to price the new model similarly to Claude 3 Opus. However, following final tests that demonstrated superior capabilities, the price was raised to reflect the improved performance. The model now starts at $1 per million input tokens (approximately 750,000 words) and $5 per million output tokens, significantly higher than the 25 cents and $1.25 per million tokens, respectively, for Claude 3 Haiku.
Anthropic defends the pricing, citing enhanced intelligence and functionality. “During final testing, we found that Haiku outperformed Claude 3 Opus in many areas. As a result, we have increased the price of 3.5 Haiku to reflect its capabilities,” the company shared on Platform X.
For users seeking cost-effective solutions with image processing capabilities, Claude 3 Haiku remains available. “Claude 3 Haiku will remain available for users who want maximum cost-effectiveness and image processing functionality,” explained Alex Albert, Anthropic’s head of developer relations.
While the price adjustment has sparked debate, the improved text generation and up-to-date references in Claude 3.5 Haiku underscore its potential, notes NIX Solutions. Yet, we’ll keep you updated on additional features or adjustments to Anthropic’s offerings as they evolve. The company’s decision to raise prices within the same series has drawn attention, with industry observers questioning the implications for its long-term pricing strategies.