Musk’s xAI launches Grok 3 in global AI race
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Elon Musk’s xAI introduced Grok 3, an advanced artificial intelligence model touted to surpass leading competitors such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s GPT-4o in various benchmarks.
The announcement, made during a live-streamed event on X, highlighted the superior performance of “the world’s smartest AI.” However, comparisons with other significant models like OpenAI o3-mini remain unspecified.
This is it: The world’s smartest AI, Grok 3, now available for free (until our servers melt).
Try Grok 3 now: https://t.co/Tj0afLoxEz
X Premium+ and SuperGrok users will have increased access to Grok 3, in addition to early access to advanced features like Voice Mode pic.twitter.com/YgKavSCiWr
— xAI (@xai) February 20, 2025
Performance claims and features
The latest iteration of Grok boasts superior performance across multiple domains, including mathematics, scientific reasoning, and coding, allegedly surpassing competitors like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s GPT-4.
Grok 3’s standout features include a “deep search” functionality, online game coding capabilities, and a specialized “big brain” mode designed for complex problem-solving.
The launch occurs amid escalating competition in the AI sector, where tech giants are investing heavily in robust data centers to support increasingly powerful AI models. This tech evolution aims to fundamentally transform work, communication, and online navigation, potentially replacing conventional search engines and coding techniques.
Pricing and global accessibility
Immediate access to Grok 3 is available through X’s Premium+ subscription at $40 monthly, with alternative access points through Grok’s dedicated platform.
The model’s development required a tenfold increase in computing power compared to its predecessor, facilitated by xAI’s new Tennessee data center.
Strategic industry positioning
The launch comes at a crucial time as xAI faces mounting competition, particularly from Chinese startup DeepSeek, whose R1 model has challenged conventional assumptions about AI infrastructure requirements. Musk acknowledged Grok 3’s beta status, promising rapid improvements and teasing an upcoming voice mode feature.
While Musk continues to expand his influence in the AI sector, recent developments highlight the intensifying competition. His recent $97 billion bid for OpenAI, though rejected, underscores the high stakes in the AI industry.
