Grok AI Assistant Released as Standalone App by xAI

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Grok AI Assistant Released as Standalone App by xAI

Grok, the AI assistant developed by xAI, has recently transitioned into a standalone app, breaking away from its prior limited availability on the X platform. Retaining its unique conversational style described as "humorous and engaging," Grok now offers users the ability to generate images, summarize text, and obtain answers to their queries.

Initially introduced in December 2024 to a select group of users, the Grok app has expanded its reach by providing a free tier for users. This offering diverges from its previous tie to an X Premium subscription, which had a starting cost of $8 per month. The free tier now allows users to make 10 requests every two hours and three image analysis requests daily, with potential restrictions also applicable to the standalone app.

Access to the Grok app is facilitated through sign-ins via Apple, Google, X accounts, or email, with it yet to be clarified whether X Premium subscribers receive extra privileges while using the app compared to on the X platform. Despite facing common challenges found in AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini, such as occasional inaccuracies and peculiar image outputs, Grok distinguishes itself by handling "spicy questions" that other AI tools tend to shy away from. Moreover, a version of the Grok AI model is accessible as open-source software, appealing to both developers and researchers in the field. The app's interface showcases a straightforward layout through screenshots, illustrating its primary screen, image generation functions, and user sign-in options. Unlike its integration within the X platform, the standalone app allows users to directly access Grok without navigating through the X site. However, concerns remain regarding Grok's accuracy and image-generation reliability, with uncertainties lingering on its capacity to deliver on its commitment to offering innovative and bold responses. Nevertheless, the app's open-source element and standalone availability hold potential in drawing a wider user audience.