Elon Musk is democratizing access to Grok, his company’s advanced artificial intelligence chatbot, by extending its availability to a wider user base of paying subscribers on X, his social media platform.
In a recent statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk unveiled plans to grant Grok access to all premium subscribers of the platform, currently priced at $8 per month. This expansion marks a departure from the previous exclusivity of Grok, which was reserved for subscribers of the premium plus tier at $16 per month, offering additional benefits like ad-free browsing. Although Musk did not specify a definitive rollout date for this update, it signals a significant shift towards broader accessibility.
This strategic move underscores Musk’s ongoing efforts to assert competitiveness against prominent AI companies, notably OpenAI, amid his dual advocacy for and cautionary stance on artificial intelligence.
In a notable legal maneuver earlier this year, Musk initiated legal action against OpenAI, alleging breach of contract. Originally conceived as an open-source, non-profit AI lab, OpenAI has since emerged as a leading player in the AI landscape, offering subscription-based access to its cutting-edge ChatGPT technology for $20 per month.
In contrast, Musk has been actively investing in Grok as part of his overarching initiative known as xAI. Integrated into Musk’s X social network, Grok was acquired in 2022 for a staggering $44 billion. Derived from the term coined by sci-fi luminary Robert Heinlein, “grok” signifies a profound understanding that becomes integral to one’s identity.
Musk envisions Grok as a philosophical counterpoint to existing AI technologies, emphasizing its humor and political impartiality. However, early interactions with Grok have revealed instances where its responses diverge from Musk’s personal perspectives, prompting adjustments to ensure alignment with perceived political neutrality.
Despite these initial challenges, Grok remains a focal point for Musk and X, with plans underway for further enhancements and premium subscription offerings.