2 mn read

In a significant move to democratize AI access, X (formerly Twitter) has begun testing a free version of its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok. This strategic expansion marks a departure from its previous premium-only model, potentially reshaping the landscape of accessible AI tools.

Breaking Down the New Access Model

The initial testing phase has launched in New Zealand, where free users can now interact with Grok under specific conditions. To maintain service quality and prevent misuse, X has implemented several usage restrictions:

• Grok-2 model: 10 queries per two-hour window
• Grok-2 mini model: 20 queries per two-hour window
• Image analysis: 3 questions per day

Users hoping to access these features must meet basic account requirements, including:

• Account age of at least 7 days
• Verified phone number linked to the account

Enhanced Capabilities and Recent Developments

Grok-2, launched in August 2024, represents a significant evolution in xAI’s capabilities. The platform now offers:

• Image generation powered by Black Forest Labs‘ FLUX.1 model
• Image understanding and analysis features
• Real-time interaction capabilities

These features were previously exclusive to Premium and Premium+ subscribers, making this expansion particularly noteworthy for the broader X community.

Strategic Implications

This move appears to be part of a larger strategy by xAI to:

• Expand its user base significantly
• Accelerate feedback collection for product improvement
• Strengthen its position against competitors like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini

The timing is particularly interesting given recent reports by The Wall Street Journal about xAI’s fundraising efforts, allegedly seeking billions in investment at a $40 billion valuation.

What This Means for Users

For regular X users, this development could mark the beginning of more accessible AI tools on the platform. While the initial rollout is limited to New Zealand, it suggests a broader international expansion might be on the horizon, potentially democratizing access to advanced AI capabilities for millions of users worldwide.