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ElonMusk's AI Chatbot 'Grok' is Now Free to All X Users (theverge.com) 116

"Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is now available to free users on X," reports the Verge: Several users noticed the change on Friday, which gives non-Premium subscribers the ability to send up to 10 messages to Grok every two hours.

xAI launched Grok last year as a "humorous AI assistant," but it was only available to Premium subscribers... Making Grok more widely available might help it compete with the already-free chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Anthropic's Claude.

ElonMusk's AI Chatbot 'Grok' is Now Free to All X Users

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  • Desperation moves (Score:4, Insightful)

    by fleeped ( 1945926 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @04:05PM (#64996521)
    Nobody cares enough to pay for Grok apparently. And I don't think now making it free will change anything, momentum is lost and ... meh. Plus the eXodus is hitting the platform hard. Tsk tsk let me get my mini violin out
    • Re: (Score:2, Funny)

      by Anonymous Coward

      ...and with a sniff and a snap of his hanky, he flounces off into the night!

    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      Nobody really cares enough to pay for LLMs and gen-AI except in a few special cases, such as people in coding jobs that cannot code for shit.

      It is not a pretty solid fact that LLMs have no real use. A bit better search, "better crap" and writing bade code does not make for a real business model. And there will not be anything else anytime soon. Remember, this is _old_ technology, there is no sane reason to expect any fast advances.

  • Now if it was on Facebook or Twitter, someone might care.

    Names got plain stupid.
    • I would have to say that it certainly counts, but then, I use X.org myself. I have to wonder, though, how many of our younger members know what we're talking about.
      • by HiThere ( 15173 )

        I didn't, though I guess I should have. I don't pay much attention to my window manager, and basically leave that to the distro. (I'm not really sure that wayland was a good choice, but I know I'm no expert in the field.)

  • That's what the intent is. Musk hopes this "perk" of talking to an "intelligent" machine will provide an impetus for people to return to X.

    I'm really curious to know what chat gpt usage is these days. The AI bubble is about to burst. Musk will likely take another bath (X being the first). Musk is especially vulnerable because no sane businessman will do business with him. Given the ruthlessness with which he rips off his users, why would any company choose his AI over the other ones?
    • Has the term "Musk Derangement Syndrome" been coined yet?

      • by EvilSS ( 557649 )
        Dave Jones from EEVBlog used it in reference to thunderf00t's reaction to the starship successful catch.
      • Yes, it has. Can you take your head out of Muskâ(TM)s ass long enough to formulate an argument for why this bodes well for musk and grok? That would go far in refuting your derangement.
      • by gtall ( 79522 )

        I don't think we need to bring your ability to believe Elmo into this.

      • I'm always being told I have Trump derangement syndrome when I point out all the bad things that are going to happen and then the bad things happen and then I get yelled at for having TDS.

        I'm always reminded of that scene from The Simpsons where the nerdy kid tells everyone they found 500 parts per million or whatever of asbestos in the school and Bart gets everyone cheering "That's not enough we need more asbestos more asbestos more asbestos!!!"

        Anyway Trump is planning to use tariffs to offset bil
      • Is that when people rush to Elons defense every time someone says something negative about him on the internet?

    • Will it stop flight from X to Bluesky?

      This is like celebrities threatening to move to Canada, they will be back in a week.

    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      Probably will only keep the morons that were going to stay on Twitter anyways.

  • But Musk just doesn't grok that.

    • by Baron_Yam ( 643147 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @05:08PM (#64996681)

      Twitter is doing exactly what he wanted it to, and the loss of a lot of users and traffic was likely an anticipated cost of executing the plan - control of a major social media outlet for personally directed propaganda.

      That and $250m in direct cash got Trump elected. How much of this was suggested by Putin, and how long it takes for Elon to figure out Trump will give him exactly zero loyalty for it, those are the fun questions.

      • by gweihir ( 88907 )

        Another fun question: What is the connection between Musk and Putin? Because it strikes me, immoral as he is, Putin is much smarter than Musk and Trump combined and he is an expert in manipulation and subterfuge. What is Musk hiding here?

        That said, if Musk is not hiding anything here, I would be honored to start the rumour that he is.

      • by davide marney ( 231845 ) on Saturday December 07, 2024 @07:31AM (#64997747) Journal

        $250M+X "got Trump elected"? Don't make me laugh.

        Harris spent $2,500M and lost EVERY SWING STATE. Harris had the backing of every news organization, every A-list Hollywood and Music celebrity, every social media company save one, and lost EVERY SWING STATE. She had the bully pulpit and the overwhelming advantage of incumbency, and lost EVERY SWING STATE.

        At some point the Democratic Party will wake up, but apparently that time has not yet come.

        • by skam240 ( 789197 )

          She also had the burden of being part of an incumbent administration that was in power when economic problems came into being. The fact that it was a global issue the US didn't have any real control of didn't make any difference, incumbents all over the world are facing problems at the polls due to these problems.

  • the other magatard bots
  • by LucasBC ( 1138637 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @04:24PM (#64996577)

    I asked Grok, "How is having Elon Musk as an advisor to Donald Trump a danger to the United States?"

    It answered:

    The prospect of Elon Musk serving as an advisor to Donald Trump, or any president, has raised various concerns among analysts, critics, and the public. Here are some of the key points regarding the potential dangers:

    Conflicts of Interest:
    Business Interests: Musk's companies, like SpaceX, Tesla, and X Corp (formerly Twitter), have significant business with or are regulated by the U.S. government. His involvement in advising on policy could lead to conflicts where decisions might favor his companies over public interest or regulatory integrity. This concern has been highlighted by analysts and media, noting the potential for self-serving policy adjustments.

    Regulatory Influence:
    Musk has been vocal about wanting to reduce regulations, which could directly benefit his businesses. Critics argue that having him advise on or help implement deregulation might lead to an erosion of necessary oversight in sectors like automotive safety, space exploration, and social media governance, potentially risking public safety and privacy.

    Influence on Policy and Public Discourse:
    His control over X (formerly Twitter) gives him a platform to shape public discourse significantly. An advisory role could amplify this influence, potentially steering policy discussions in directions that align with Musk's personal views or business interests rather than a balanced approach. There's a worry that this could skew information dissemination, especially given past instances where Musk has spread or endorsed misinformation.

    National Security Concerns:
    Musk's business dealings, especially with foreign entities like China or his interactions with figures like Vladimir Putin, have raised flags among some who see this as a potential national security risk, particularly if he's influencing U.S. policy. His companies' engagements in sensitive areas like satellite internet (Starlink) in conflict zones could complicate U.S. foreign policy decisions.

    Economic Policies:
    Musk's views on tariffs, regulation, and government spending might lead to policies that favor large corporations or specific industries at the expense of broader economic health or environmental considerations. His push for significant budget cuts could impact essential services or regulatory bodies if not carefully balanced with the public good.

    Political Power Consolidation:
    There's a broader concern about the concentration of power when billionaires like Musk play significant roles in government policy-making. This can be seen as a threat to democratic processes where influence might be disproportionately tied to wealth rather than expertise or public interest.

    Public Perception and Trust:
    Musk's controversial public statements and actions can affect public trust in government institutions if perceived as being too closely aligned with his personal or corporate agenda. This could undermine confidence in governmental actions, especially in areas where Musk has a direct interest.

    Labor and Employment Policies:
    Given Musk's history with labor relations, particularly at Tesla, his influence might lead to policies that are less favorable towards workers' rights, potentially impacting labor laws in a way that benefits corporate interests over employee welfare.

    While these points outline potential dangers, it's also worth noting that Musk's involvement could bring innovation and efficiency to government functions. However, the concentration of power and influence in one individual, particularly one with vast business interests, remains a significant point of contention in discussions about governance and policy-making.

    • I asked Grok, "How is having Elon Musk as an advisor to Donald Trump a danger to the United States?"

      Phrasing your question that way is begging the question, because you assert that he's a danger to the United States without offering any evidence to support your claim. Much better would have been to ask Grok if he's a danger and only follow up by asking how if Grok replied that he is.
      • by LucasBC ( 1138637 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @06:59PM (#64996941)
        My question was deliberately leading. I wanted to see how it would respond.
      • by LucasBC ( 1138637 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @07:08PM (#64996975)

        So let's try this instead: "Is there any danger to the United States having Elon Musk act as an advisor to Donald Trump?"

        Response:

        The question of whether Elon Musk acting as an advisor to Donald Trump could pose any danger to the United States involves considering multiple perspectives:

        Potential Benefits:

        Innovation and Efficiency: Elon Musk is known for his innovative approaches in technology, automotive, and space industries. His involvement could potentially drive policy towards more efficient government operations, focusing on cutting unnecessary regulations which might encourage technological advancement and business growth. Trump has expressed intentions to leverage Musk's expertise for government efficiency, which could benefit economic development.

        Economic Influence: Musk's businesses, especially Tesla and SpaceX, are significant players in their respective industries. His advice could align with policies that foster growth in these sectors, potentially boosting employment and technological leadership.

        Global Competition: With Musk's insights, there might be a push for policies that enhance U.S. competitiveness in technology and space, areas where China is also heavily investing. This could be seen as beneficial in terms of maintaining or increasing U.S. global standing.

        Potential Risks:

        Conflicts of Interest: Musk's involvement in advising on policy while having business interests regulated by the government could lead to significant conflicts of interest. His companies, like Tesla and SpaceX, have ongoing dealings with federal agencies, and his role might be viewed as an opportunity to influence regulations in favor of his businesses.

        Regulatory Rollback: Musk has openly criticized government regulations, particularly those affecting his companies. Advising Trump on reducing regulatory burdens might lead to a rollback in labor, environmental, and safety standards, which could have broader negative implications for public welfare, worker rights, and environmental protection.

        Political Power Dynamics: Musk's influence in the Trump administration could skew policy-making towards the interests of billionaires, potentially exacerbating wealth inequality or skewing public policy towards corporate interests over public good. Posts on X have highlighted concerns about this dynamic, suggesting it might undermine democratic processes by concentrating influence in the hands of a few.

        Foreign Policy and National Security: Musk's past interactions with foreign leaders like Vladimir Putin raise concerns about how his advice might affect U.S. foreign policy, especially given his business interests in China and previous stances on international issues like Taiwan. This could complicate U.S. strategic interests or security policies.

        Public and Political Perception:

        Public Trust: The partnership between Musk and Trump has already sparked debate and criticism, with some fearing it might further erode trust in government if perceived as favoring corporate interests over public welfare. However, others might see it as a pragmatic approach to government, bringing in business acumen to improve efficiency.

        In summary, while Musk's advisory role could bring innovation and economic benefits, it also introduces significant risks related to conflicts of interest, regulatory standards, and the concentration of political power. The actual impact would depend heavily on how this relationship evolves in practice and the policies enacted as a result of his influence.

        Just trying to see if anything deliberately filtered out the critical parts of the answer.

      • while i appreciate your correct use of the fallacy

        yeah look LLMs don't give a shit. They don't run on logical association, they just work on statistical relationships between words.

        • by gweihir ( 88907 )

          yeah look LLMs don't give a shit. They don't run on logical association, they just work on statistical relationships between words.

          No idea why there are people that still do not understand that. These people must be willfully ignorant at this time. To be fair, most people prefer willful ignorance (selecting what they like as "truth") over actual truth. Bout 80% in fact, because only about 20% are open to rational argument. (On non-important questions that raises to 30%, but even that is pathetically low.)

    • Sure let's not do anything and let the Corpo- military-deep state complex put a plastic bag over the head of America until the red and white turns blue. All blue. LETS DO NOTHING ABOUT THAT
  • "Synergy" (Score:4, Interesting)

    by quantaman ( 517394 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @04:26PM (#64996585)

    So is X paying a bunch of money to make xAI look profitable, or is xAI giving it to X for free to try and revive the company he's killing?

    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      Obviously the former. Openly or hidden. No "AI" company in the LLM-space is profitable. In fact they all make huge losses, because they have no products, beyond a bit better search, "better crap", and producing bad code. None of these are really valuable or big money makers.

  • by jfdavis668 ( 1414919 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @04:42PM (#64996613)
    Those who have read "A Stranger in a Strange Land" know what I mean.
    • I grok. (Score:5, Insightful)

      by Brain-Fu ( 1274756 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @05:17PM (#64996715) Homepage Journal

      If Elon offered me water, I would refuse it.

      Regardless of what others may say about him, good and bad, here is my gripe: he is notorious for overworking his people, including salaried workers who receive no overtime pay for all the hours they sacrifice to him. In my book, that makes him a greedy exploiter and abuser of his position of power.

      • Re: (Score:2, Interesting)

        by Anonymous Coward

        More than that, he tends to make sweeping changes that make absolutely no sense, for the most petty reasons.

        Source: I worked at Tesla where at one point he issued an edict that we were to migrate off of AWS because him and Bezos were in a pissing match over stuff completely unrelated to the manufacture and sale of cars or solar panels. There were many hours wasted on planning such a transition, until the executives in charge left, and new ones were hired that said "this is an absolute waste of time and mon

      • And, according to Grok, "Elon Musk has been identified as one of the most significant spreaders of misinformation on X since he acquired the platform."

        Google: grok musk most misinformation [google.com]

      • by gweihir ( 88907 )

        In my book, that makes him a greedy exploiter and abuser of his position of power.

        Same here. And he does so without any need or rational reason. He already has more money than he can ever spend. That is what a really bad person looks like.

    • by Anonymous Coward

      With all due respect

      No. Making a silver age sci-fi reference does not actually make him cool or interesting, and it doesn't mean he understood the content of the story let alone the implication... But also it's questionable that there's anything of merit to read into it, short of the idea that libertarians would be full of boundless love and win at being sacrificial space Jesus if only magic were real.

      He's never going to be able to cover up the fact that he either hasn't seen or read most of the things he m

    • by shanen ( 462549 )

      I read it and I'm not sure what you mean. Is this a ritual cannibalism joke?

      • In the book, grok is martian for "to drink". There is a limited amount of water on Mars, and water is a significant part of their culture. So the concept of drinking has a big influence on their culture. To offer someone a drink of water is basically offering to become like a member of the family. Grok is also used to mean "to understand". Drinking water makes it a part of you, inseparable from your being. To Grok is to understand, taking in the knowledge, making it part of your essence, influencing your fu
        • by shanen ( 462549 )

          My memory of the book goes beyond that part. You don't remember anything about funerary rites?

  • xAI (Score:4, Interesting)

    by coop247 ( 974899 ) on Friday December 06, 2024 @05:49PM (#64996809)
    You can argue about the relevance of Twitter, but how is it that xAI is valued at, what, 50 billion, and their only product is a free add-on to another platform?
    • all of Musk's stuff is over valued. Didn't Tesla have more market cap than the top couple auto companies combined. I mean, the Tesla is an 'ok' car but it can't compete with the 100 years of experience and infrastructure other companies have.
      • > I mean, the Tesla is an 'ok' car but it can't compete with the 100 years of experience and infrastructure other companies have.

        Well, they seem to currently at least be able to compete pretty well, given that they seem to have highest automotive margins of any company except low volume luxury brands like Ferrari.

        And other similar metrics, like how long from production until the vehicle is sold and so on.

        So the experience, infrastructure and such does not seem to help the other companies that much.

        • by coop247 ( 974899 )
          LOL those big margins are soooooo 2022.

          They have had multiple rounds of price cuts and offering 0% financing world wide in a high interest world. Their margins are now the same or worse than every other car company.
          • Well.. I do not know... someone seems to disagree with you at least: https://autotribute.com/auto-i... [autotribute.com]

            • by coop247 ( 974899 )
              Except this says essentially exactly what I said. Year old pre MAGA data shows them coming down to earth and being essentially in line with all the other auto's.

              Also their top line numbers are wildly inflated due to all the government handouts/credits. Remove those and their numbers are downright terrible.
      • by gweihir ( 88907 )

        Apparently in Germany one of the Tesla repair centers has been shut down for months and people now need to drive > 1000km to get their car repaired. That is about as crappy as "service" as it gets.

    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      Hallucinating investors. They see this thing as AGI and the golden future. Of course, that is not true at all. For starters, as "Grok" has no filters, it is very likely illegal in much of the world, including Europe. For here is the thing, under the GDPR if you claim false things about a person in a public, electronic form, you _must_ correct that on request, no exceptions. The only way that is possible with LLMs is by filters. If you do not correct this, penalties increase up to and including a total prohi

  • Isn't convenient access to Grok just going to result in a lot more vacuous posting traffic?

    Hey! Posting traffic is up. More places to put ads. Dear Advertiser, your message is going to waaay more people... look at allll that traffic! Pay me more money.
  • I've been using Grok off and on and it seems to work pretty well, about as well as other AI for coding or general questions.

    However where Grok really shines is if you ask anything that ventures close to contentious topics. Grok will at least give you an answer, lots of other AI refusing to do anything.

    And this is exactly why Grok is free, so that everyone on earth can see the difference between an AI with a lot of filters and bias built in, vs.a freely opinionated AI.

    I will say I'm not really impressed wit

  • Making Grok more widely available might help it compete with the already-free chatbots

    Making Grok more widely available might help it gather more free training data from the 'RIGHT' sources

  • Much like Zuck didn't understand Snow Crash.

    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      Indeed. These assholes just take whatever they like, no respect, no insight, no honor.

  • So I take back everything I have said about him. Hes not so bad.
  • The one that will tell you to kill yourself, do dangerous things, etc. ...

  • Grok (/rk/) is a neologism [wikipedia.org] coined by American writer Robert A. Heinlein for his 1961 science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land.”

Over the shoulder supervision is more a need of the manager than the programming task.

Working...