X, formerly known as Twitter, is reportedly offering free access to its AI chatbot, Grok, to a select group of users. Previously exclusive to X Premium subscribers, Grok is now being tested in a free tier, according to recent reports from TechCrunch. The publication gained access through a New Zealand-registered account, a common testing ground for new social media features due to its smaller, English-speaking population.
The free version of Grok offers chat functionality, image generation, and photo analysis, although usage limits apply. The website copy states, “A free tier of Grok is now available in your region. Chat, generate images, and analyze photos. Limits apply.” This suggests a potential wider rollout in the future.
Screenshot of XX appears to be opening up access to Grok for free users. Source: TechCrunch
Access Requirements and Usage Limits for Free Grok
Eligibility for the free tier appears to require accounts that are at least seven days old and have a linked phone number, according to a security researcher on X. This likely serves as a measure to control costs and mitigate the platform’s existing bot problem, given the resource-intensive nature of chatbots.
Free users face limitations of ten questions every two hours on the Grok 2 model or twenty questions using the Grok 2 mini model. Image analysis is also capped at three images per day. Whether a free tier will become available in the United States remains unclear at this time.
Grok’s Development and Unique Advantages
Developed by xAI, another company within Elon Musk’s portfolio, Grok boasts a unique advantage: its AI model is trained on data from X. This provides near real-time access to conversations, aligning with Musk’s vision of citizen journalism. He positions this as a key strength, suggesting it offers access to a more authentic and unfiltered source of information.
Grok InterfaceGrok’s interface on X. Source: TechCrunch
Challenges and Concerns Surrounding Grok
However, the rapid information flow on X also carries the risk of spreading misinformation, which is often corrected later by mainstream media or X’s Community Notes feature. These corrections frequently receive less visibility than the original falsehoods. Like any chatbot, Grok is also prone to inaccuracies due to its inherent limitations in understanding factual information.
Despite its flaws, Grok offers a unique feature: the ability to “roast” user profiles, adding an element of entertainment to the platform.
The Financial Stakes and Future of Grok
Grok represents a significant investment for Musk and plays a crucial role in the financial recovery of X. While X’s valuation has plummeted since Musk’s acquisition, xAI has secured substantial funding, hinting at the potential of Grok to generate revenue.
Driven partly by his departure from OpenAI, Musk’s aggressive pursuit of AI leadership is evident in xAI’s rapid development, including the construction of a massive AI supercomputer. This ambitious undertaking, however, has sparked controversy and local concerns.
Conclusion: Grok’s Potential and Uncertainties
Grok’s free tier represents a strategic move by X to expand its user base and explore new revenue streams. While the chatbot offers unique features and benefits from its connection to X’s data, it also faces challenges related to misinformation and accuracy. The future success of Grok will depend on its ability to address these concerns while delivering a compelling user experience.
