Grok AI now available: requirements and how to use X's intelligence

Elon Musk’s new AI chatbot, Grok, has debuted on X, formerly Twitter. Touted as a sassy, rebellious alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Grok has an “anti-woke” flair that mirrors Musk’s persona. But after trying it, Grok might not be as edgy as advertised—at least not in all areas.

Here’s what you need to know about Grok and its potential to reshape the AI landscape.

Gone are the days when Grok was a luxury feature for X Premium+ subscribers, who paid $16 a month or $168 a year. Now, all you need is a standard X account. This accessibility marks a change from its initial launch, when only U.S. residents with a premium account could use the chatbot.

How to get Grok going

Getting started with Grok is simple:

1. Log into X: Open the X app or website and sign in.

2. Locate Grok: Go to the Grok section in the app menu or the website’s left-hand column.

3. Warning: The first time you access Grok, a disclaimer will appear. It highlights that the chatbot may provide inaccurate or incomplete information. Additionally, your chats might be used to improve the AI, so consider this when sharing personal data.

Once you’re in, Grok can perform various tasks, from writing creative content and analysing documents to summarising trending news from X.

Grok’s image skills

Grok isn’t just about text—it has image features that set it apart. Grok allows users to request the creation of images, albeit its results are not as refined as those of industry leaders. More impressively, Grok can analyse images uploaded by users, offering insights on everything from medical records to video game visuals.

Elon Musk confirmed this feature in a post on X, saying: “You can upload any image to Grok for analysis, from medical tests to video games! Just tap the + button or paste the image into the entry bar.”

These capabilities highlight Grok’s versatility and potential as a multipurpose AI assistant.

Grok is now free to use, but with limitations. Free users can ask Grok up to 10 questions every two hours and analyse a maximum of three images daily. For many, this will suffice as an introduction to Grok’s offerings.

Grok's creator, xAI, has ambitious plans beyond X. They’re testing a standalone iOS app in regions like Australia, aiming to position Grok alongside AI heavyweights like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. A dedicated website, Grok.com, is on the way, signalling xAI’s intent to make Grok a household name.

Grok evolves, challenges AI leaders

The standalone app mirrors X’s features, allowing users to ask questions, rewrite text, and generate images. By decoupling Grok from the X platform, xAI hopes to reach a broader audience and establish Grok as a versatile tool.

X’s ambitions for Grok extend beyond its current capabilities. CEO Linda Yaccarino recently shared plans to expand into streaming and financial services by 2025. Grok will continue to receive upgrades, further integrating the chatbot into everyday life.

“In 2024, X changed the world. Now, YOU are the media!” Yaccarino wrote on X. “In 2025, X will connect you in ways never thought possible. X TV, X Money, Grok, and more. Buckle up. Happy New Year!”

With its increasing accessibility, versatile features, and future enhancement plans, Grok is poised to play a significant role in the evolving AI ecosystem. Whether you want to analyse images, create content, or experiment with AI technology, Grok offers a glimpse into what’s possible—and what’s coming next.

As Grok continues to evolve, it becomes evident that xAI is placing significant bets on the chatbot's potential to challenge established names. Despite challenges like occasional inaccuracies and limitations in its free version, Grok is a compelling addition to the growing roster of AI tools.