Lagos, (GNP): Social network X is testing a free version of its AI chatbot Grok, developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. Previously available only to premium users, this new initiative aims to expand access and engagement.
Reports indicate that select users in New Zealand have begun accessing Grok for free, with certain usage limitations in place. Users can make up to 10 queries every two hours with the Grok-2 model and 20 queries with the Grok-2 mini model. Additionally, users can ask three image analysis questions per day. To qualify for the free version, accounts must be at least seven days old and linked to a phone number.
Launched in August, Grok-2 features image generation capabilities powered by Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 model. The recent update allows the model to understand images, enhancing its functionality. By opening Grok to free users, xAI seeks to build a larger user base and gather faster feedback, positioning itself competitively against other AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
This move is significant as it democratizes access to advanced AI tools, allowing more users to experience Grok’s capabilities without financial barriers. The innovative use case of integrating image analysis with text queries showcases the potential of AI in enhancing user interaction.
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Moreover, developers interested in creating their own AI solutions can explore the xAI API to build custom tools and projects tailored to their needs with $25 free credits. The ability to leverage such technology opens up numerous possibilities for innovation across various sectors.
As the rollout progresses, industry experts are keenly observing how this shift will influence user engagement and the competitive dynamics of AI chatbots.