Social network X is testing access to its AI chatbot, Grok, for free users in select regions, including New Zealand.
Previously limited to premium subscribers, the platform’s move suggests a broader rollout may be on the horizon.
Why it matter
Opening up Grok’s AI features to a larger user base could boost engagement and provide faster feedback for model improvements.
It’s also a strategic push by xAI (Elon Musk’s other company) to compete with popular rivals like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
Details
For now, free users have capped usage:
- Grok-2 model: 10 queries every two hours
- Grok-2 mini model: 20 queries every two hours
- Image analysis: 3 queries per day
- Requirements: Free access is available only to accounts older than seven days with a linked phone number.
The big picture
Launched in August with image-generation abilities, Grok-2 was previously exclusive to paying users. The shift could help xAI reach its goal of raising billions in funding at a $40 billion valuation.
Source: Techcrunch
