MiniMax reveals anonymous model as M3.1 Flash; weights promised for 23 October

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MiniMax's 19 October announcement identified the previously anonymous model as an earlier version of its M3.1 Flash. The model is currently accessible through hosted routes such as the API, M Plan and MiniMax Code, while the downloadable weights are only promised for a later release. Vercel's AI Gateway offered the model free until 22 October, with the identifier minimax/minimax-m3.1-flash. The article advises developers to check live pricing and providers, since promotional rates are temporary. It also recommends testing the model on concrete coding tasks before replacing an existing backend, as the manufacturer's performance claims were not independently verified.

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