Anthropic has upgraded the free tier of its chatbot, Claude, adding new capabilities including file creation, third-party integrations, and expanded task automation tools.

The announcement comes as OpenAI prepares to introduce advertisements for free users of ChatGPT.

File Creation

Anthropic previously introduced file creation tools for paid Claude users in September. As of Wednesday, those features are now available to free users as well.

Free users can create and edit Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, and PDFs. These file generation capabilities are powered by Claude’s Sonnet 4.5 model.

Connectors and Skills Added

The update also introduces Connectors for free users, allowing Claude to link with external services. Available integrations include Canva, Slack, Notion, Zapier, and PayPal, among others.

Anthropic has also expanded access to Skills. This feature allows users to train Claude to perform specific tasks consistently by loading folders containing instructions, scripts, and related resources when handling relevant requests.

Other enhancements to Claude’s free tier include longer conversations, interactive responses, and improved voice and image search functionality.

Positioning Against ChatGPT Ads

Anthropic’s expansion of the free tier appears to align with OpenAI’s plan to integrate advertising into ChatGPT for free users. Anthropic ended its announcement with the statement “No ads in sight,” reinforcing a previous commitment to keep Claude ad-free.

The company also referenced its Super Bowl advertisement last week, which included a critical comparison of OpenAI’s approach and mocked GPT-4o’s behavior, which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman did not appreciate.

Discord has clarified details of its upcoming age verification system following user backlash over concerns about mandatory face scans and government ID checks.

The company said the “vast majority” of users will not be required to confirm their age through facial scans or ID submissions.

Age Prediction Model

Discord explained that it will primarily rely on an internal age prediction model to determine whether a user is an adult.

The system uses account information, device and activity data, and behavioral patterns across communities to estimate age. Users whose age cannot be determined with sufficient confidence will still be required to submit a video selfie or government identification for verification.

Approach for Unverified Users

Users who are not verified as adults, or who are identified as under 18, will be placed in what Discord describes as a “teen-appropriate” experience.

This version of the platform blocks access to age-restricted servers and channels.

Data Breach Concerns

The clarification follows user criticism and threats to leave the platform or cancel Discord Nitro memberships.

Concerns were also heightened by a data breach last year involving a third-party vendor used by Discord for age verification. The breach exposed user information and a small number of uploaded ID cards.