The KI assistant Grok is now available as a standalone app for iOS in some countries, including Australia. Users can download the free app from xAI, a company owned by Elon Musk. As of January 2, 2025, the app is not available in the German App Store. According to media reports, there are plans to gradually offer the chatbot as a standalone app in other countries. Previously, it was marketed as part of the short messaging service X and was accessible only through it.
Users can log into the app using their X credentials, Apple or Google login, or a separate email account. Within the app, users encounter the Large Language Model (LLM) Grok 2, which can generate both text and images. Key features include text summarization, rephrasing, programming assistance, and answering questions. Grok can access real-time data from X and the internet in addition to its training data.
For image creation, the developer company largely avoids the usual restrictions other AI developers impose on image selection. Publicly known individuals are not excluded, and copyrighted material can be used. Currently, the app is still in beta status, which is visibly indicated in the navigation bar.
In early December, xAI had already opened its AI chatbot to users of the X platform. Previously, Grok was only available to premium subscribers of the platform. It seems xAI aims to expand its reach. Free users can send up to ten messages to the AI every two hours. The number of generated images is limited to four per day for free users, and three image analyses are possible daily. The opening followed tests in countries like New Zealand.
Grok was officially announced in November 2023 and is intended as an alternative to AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini.
The app’s release as a standalone product marks a significant step in making AI more accessible to the general public. By providing a variety of login options, xAI ensures that users from different platforms can easily access Grok. The inclusion of image generation and analysis features sets Grok apart from many other AI chatbots that focus primarily on text-based interactions.
Grok’s ability to access real-time data from X and the internet enhances its functionality, allowing it to provide more accurate and up-to-date information. This feature is particularly beneficial for users seeking information on current events or needing assistance with tasks that require the latest data.
Moreover, the decision to allow the use of copyrighted material for image generation could lead to innovative uses of the app, although it may also raise concerns about intellectual property rights. The lack of restrictions on image creation could encourage creativity but also necessitate careful monitoring to prevent misuse.
As xAI continues to refine Grok during its beta phase, user feedback will likely play a crucial role in shaping the app’s final version. The gradual rollout of the app in different countries suggests that xAI is taking a measured approach to its global expansion, ensuring that the app meets user expectations and complies with local regulations.
Overall, Grok represents a promising development in the field of AI, offering users a versatile tool for both text and image-based tasks. As it becomes available in more regions, it has the potential to become a popular choice for individuals seeking AI assistance in various aspects of their daily lives.