Published on: May 31, 2025 / update from: May 31, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Claude becomes a free AI search engine: Anthropics strategic advance in the market for intelligent search-Image: Xpert.digital
AI competition is heading to: Claude as a free perplexity and Google alternative
Free AI search: Anthropic attacks established providers
Anthropic has undertaken a significant step in the competition for the next generation of search engines by providing all users to all users free of charge for the Ki-Chatbot Claude. This development marks a direct attack on established providers such as perplexity and positions Claude as a serious alternative to traditional search engines. The decision to offer this technology free of charge could fundamentally change the user behavior when looking for information and further intensify the competition between AI providers.
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Technical innovation and functionality
Automated search for search and source integration
Claudes website function differs in the intelligent automation of conventional searches. The system independently decides whether an internet search is necessary for a user request without users having to explicitly request this. This autonomous decision -making is based on the analysis of the request and enables Claude to access both his extensive training data set and current web information.
The transparency of the sources is a significant advantage. Claude shows above his answers the sources used and the actual search terms used for internet research. This disclosure enables users to check the information yourself and evaluate the quality of the answers. In contrast to traditional search engines that provide lists from left, Claude presents the information found in a conversational format with direct quotes from websites.
Technological basis and model architecture
The website function is based on Claudes Sonnet 4 model, a hybrid system that was optimized for quick queries and more complex tasks. According to Anthropic, this model is said to have even exceeded the top models from Openai and Google in various benchmarks. The choice of Sonnet 4 as the basis for the search function indicates that Anthropic is based on a reading model in order to provide more precise and well thought-out results.
The technical implementation enables Claude to work on complex problems for several hours and continuously access current web information. This endurance distinguishes Claude from other AI systems that are typically optimized for shorter interactions.
Market positioning and competitive dynamics
Direct competition with perplexity
The introduction of the free website function is a direct challenge for perplexity that is considered a pioneer in the field of AI-based websites. Perplexity has established itself as a specialized AI search engine since it was founded in August 2022 and, despite its short company history, has already won around 10 million monthly active users. The company recorded 250 million answered questions in June 2024 alone.
A direct comparison shows both strengths and differences between the systems. In a test with a current Stanley Cup request, Claude provided correct and up-to-date information, including information about the game of the previous night. While Claude took a little longer to generate the answer than perplexity, it was up to date and included the latest events.
Convergence of the AI chat bot functions
The development shows an increasing convergence of the large AI chat bot platforms in terms of their functions and pricing. Chatgpt, Gemini, Grok, Deepseek and Mistral are more and more alike in their offers, whereby successful features are quickly copied by the competition. This development means that real distinction features can be found mainly in the quality of the underlying AI models and the user interface.
Effects on the information economy
Change in user behavior
Free availability of advanced AI search functions could fundamentally change the user behavior when looking for information. Instead of navigating through several websites and gathering information manually, users receive precisely, merged answers in conversational form. This increase in efficiency could be particularly valuable for specialists in various areas.
For sales teams, the technology enables better analysis of industry trends and customer requirements, while financial analysts can use more recent market data and quarterly figures for their decision -making. Researchers benefit from the opportunity to find relevant literature quickly and identify emerging trends.
Challenges for website operators
The increasing use of AI search engines harbors significant challenges for website operators and traditional internet economics. By precise AI summary, the click rate drops significantly to original websites, which leads to potentially reduced advertising revenues. Studies indicate that the click-through rate could be up to 96 percent lower if people mainly consume information via chatbots.
This development could threaten the financing models of content providers in the long term and lead to a change in Internet economy. Website operators may have to develop new strategies to monetize their content and reach users directly.
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Strategic implications and future prospects
Democratization of advanced search technology
Anthropics decision to offer the website function free of charge, democratize access to advanced AI-based search. This strategy could help build a broader user base and to position Claude as a serious alternative to established search engines. Free availability makes the technology accessible to students, researchers and small companies that may not be willing or able to pay for premium search services.
The global availability of the function after it was initially only available for paid users in the USA underlines Anthropics ambitions on the international market. This expansion enables the company to compete with other AI providers that are already available worldwide.
Quality and trustworthiness
A central aspect of Anthropic's strategy is the emphasis on quality and trustworthiness. The company has focused on the development of a “trustworthy and safe AI”, which is reflected in the transparent representation of sources and the careful implementation of the search function. The provision of direct quotes and sources enables users to check the accuracy of the information and contribute to the formation of trust.
Competition of the search engines: Claudes step towards better user experience
Anthropics decision to offer Claudes website free of charge is an important turning point in the competition for intelligent search technologies. This development intensifies competition with established providers such as perplexity and could change the user behavior when searching for information. While technology offers significant advantages for users, including more efficient research and better information accessibility, it also brings challenges for traditional internet economics.
The long -term effects of this development will depend on how successful Claude is in the extraction and commitment of users and how other providers react to this challenge. The increasing convergence of the Ki-Chatbot functions indicates that the competition will increasingly focus on the quality of the underlying models and the user experience. For users, this development means more options and improved free access to advanced AI-based search technology.
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