The editor of Downcodes learned that the free beta version of Grok, an AI chat assistant developed by Musk’s xAI company, has been launched in some regions. Previously, Grok was only open to paying members of the X platform. This free test indicates that Grok will further expand its user base and compete more fiercely with other AI chatbots. Although the free version of Grok has a limit on the number of times it can be used, the addition of its image generation and understanding functions will undoubtedly attract more users to experience it.
Social platform X (formerly Twitter) is opening free user testing for its AI chat assistant Grok. This AI tool developed by Musk's xAI company was previously only open to paying members, but now it is expected to usher in major changes.
According to feedback from many application researchers and users, the X platform has launched a free version of Grok in specific regions. TechCrunch confirmed that free users in New Zealand can already participate in Grok’s beta program.
According to X platform researcher Swak, the free version of Grok currently has usage restrictions: users can have 10 conversations every 2 hours using the Grok-2 model, and 20 conversations every 2 hours using the Grok-2mini model. The image analysis function is Limit to 3 times per day. To use the free version of Grok, the user account needs to meet two conditions: the registration time is more than 7 days, and the mobile phone number has been bound.
In August this year, xAI launched a version of Grok-2 with image generation capabilities, using Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 model behind it. Late last month, the company added image understanding capabilities to Grok. These features were previously only available to Premium and Premium+ members.
Analysts believe that opening Grok services to free users shows that xAI is seeking to expand its user base and speed up the product feedback cycle. This strategic move is intended to enhance competitiveness with competing products such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. This expansion of service scope may bring new competition to the AI chat assistant market.
The launch of the free beta version of Grok marks a further intensification of competition in the AI chat assistant market. xAI’s move aims to expand the user base, collect more user feedback, thereby improving Grok’s performance and user experience, and ultimately occupy a favorable position in the fierce market competition. The editor of Downcodes will continue to pay attention to the subsequent development of Grok.