xAI Released Grok-2 & Grok-2 Mini to Make AI-Generated Images

In August 2024, xAI released Grok-2, an advancement from the previous version, Grok-1.5. At the same time, xAI also introduced Grok-2 Mini, a scaled-down yet still capable version.

Both Grok-2 versions are now available in beta form on the premium X app. In the following days, Elon Musk will also make them available through the enterprise API.

 

Capabilities of Chat and Language Model on Grok-2

xAI has introduced the first model of Grok-2, named "sus-column-r," in the LMSYS chatbot arena. LMSYS is a competitive language model benchmark commonly used to evaluate Large Language Models (LLMs). As a result, Grok-2 is now competing with Claude and GPT-4 on the LMSYS leaderboard for overall Elo ratings (a method for calculating skill intensity).

Grok-2 has demonstrated significant advancements in reasoning with retrieved content and in the use of tools, such as accurately identifying missing information, thinking chronologically, and filtering out irrelevant posts.

Additionally, both Grok-2 and Grok-2 Mini have seen numerous improvements from Grok-1.5, with both versions reaching performance levels that can compete with leading models in specific areas like GPAQ, MMLU, MMLU-Pro, and MATH.

Moreover, Grok-2 has also excelled in visual-based tasks, such as visual mathematical reasoning (MathVista) and document-based question answering (DocVQA).

 

Using Grok-2 on the X App

X users can now access Grok-2 by subscribing to the X Premium app. Some features offered include the ability to generate new and engaging images, provide the latest information and news from X, and assist with various daily activities such as answering emails, responding to questions, providing recipes, and offering programming solutions.

In terms of versions, Grok-2 Mini is a lighter version of Grok-2 but still delivers comparable speed and quality of responses.

Compared to Grok-1.5, Grok-2 is more intuitive, easier to manage, and versatile. Currently, xAI is collaborating with Black Forest Labs on the FLUX.1 model to enhance Grok's capabilities on the X app.

To subscribe to Grok-2 on X, users can choose a monthly plan at IDR 120,000/month for Premium and IDR180,000/month for Premium+.

There is also an annual subscription option at IDR 104,167/month for Premium and IDR156,250/month for Premium+.

Premium features on the X app include all basic features plus additional benefits, such as seeing half the ads on your For You and Following feeds, enhanced reply visibility, blue checkmark, payment for posts, Grok 2 AI Assistant, X Pro, Analytics, Media Studio, and Creator features.

With X Premium+, you receive all Premium features plus additional perks, such as an ad-free experience, increased reply visibility, and features for writing articles on X.

 

Building Grok with Enterprise API 

In addition to the X app, xAI has also launched Grok for developers through their enterprise API platform. Their API is built on a series of specialized technologies that enable multi-region inference for low-latency access worldwide.

xAI also offers enhanced security features, such as mandatory multi-factor authentication, rich traffic statistics, and advanced billing analytics.

Elon Musk’s startup will also provide API management tools that facilitate developer integration with teams and users, as well as billing management for internal tools and services.

 

Next Steps for Grok-2 and Grok-2 Mini

Grok-2 and Grok-2 Mini have successfully launched on the X app, enhancing search capabilities, gaining in-depth insights into X posts, and developing response functions.

In the near future, xAI will introduce a multimodal understanding preview as a core feature of Grok on X and the API.

 

Grok-2 Release Sparks Debate Among Observers

Although the release of Grok-2 represents a breakthrough in intelligence on the X platform, its development of AI-generated image features has sparked controversy.

Many parties are concerned as this feature can create highly realistic yet often provocative images which can raise serious issues about potential misinformation.

Unlike OpenAI and Google, which have strict policies regarding the AI they release, especially for generating realistic images, xAI appears to take a different approach. Grok-2 operates with minimal restrictions, emphasizing freedom of expression and limited censorship.

This decision by Elon Musk and xAI raises concerns as the AI-generated image feature could be used to spread false information or post content that incites political unrest.

The introduction of this feature on the X app adds complexity and challenges to the already difficult task of managing harmful content on social media.