Launch of Grok-2 New Version: Free to Use!
xAI has been quietly testing the new version of the Grok-2 model over the past few weeks. Just recently, we received great news. Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, announced that the upgraded Grok-2 chatbot is now freely available to all users on the social media platform X. Yes, it's free! We also learned that the new version of Grok-2 is faster, more accurate, and now includes new features like image generation.
As usual, Premium and Premium+ users will enjoy higher usage limits and will have priority for future new features. This is understandable, as they are paying customers.
The decision by xAI to offer Grok-2 to the public for free has caused a stir in the tech and business communities, putting competitive pressure on other companies.
Main Features of Grok-2
The launch of the Grok-2 model is the result of xAI's ongoing efforts to optimize its AI services. Compared to its predecessor, the new version offers significant improvements in processing speed, user interaction, and content generation.
Web Search and Citations: Currently, Grok utilizes posts from X and webpages from the broader internet to provide timely and accurate answers to user queries. Additionally, Grok-2 has added a "citation" feature, allowing users to easily delve into sources for more information or to verify the information provided by Grok.
Grok also brings a new feature to the X platform: the "Grok" button. This button appears on posts in the home timeline, helping users discover relevant contextual information, understand real-time events, and delve deeper into trending discussions.
Grok-2 Image Generation: Draw Me! By adding Aurora, Grok can now generate more realistic images and memes. The "Draw Me" feature allows users to create reimagined versions of themselves using their X profile.
Free Usage of Grok-2, with Some Limitations
Grok is available for free to all users, but the free version has some limitations: The Grok-2 model is limited to 10 queries per day, while the Grok-2 mini model allows for 20 queries per day, and image analysis is limited to 3 queries per day.
Moreover, users' accounts must be registered for at least 7 days and linked to a phone number to access the free version of Grok.
For Premium and Premium+ users, Grok-2 offers higher usage limits and priority access to soon-to-be-released new features. This tiered service model caters to different user needs and enhances the diversity of revenue streams.
Free Access to Grok-2 Creates Competitive Pressure
The latest buzz in the tech world is Musk's xAI offering free access to its highly advanced AI chatbot, Grok-2. This unprecedented move has sparked a wave of discussions and excitement.
OpenAI has also been surprising us lately, and we recently saw the much-anticipated launch of Sora. While Sora's features are indeed powerful, many users feel that the $200 Pro membership is pricey. In our previous XXAI blog, we discussed the pricing of ChatGPT, which naturally invites comparisons.
Therefore, Musk's xAI decision to provide free access to Grok-2 might set a new standard and exert pressure on other companies. This could trigger a ripple effect, leading to the widespread use of other AI tools and technologies, fostering a healthy competitive environment. Consequently, this might catalyze progress and innovation in the field.