xAI unveils Grok 3

Elon Musk’s xAI has launched Grok 3, its next-generation AI model, featuring enhanced reasoning capabilities and image analysis. Developed using a massive data centre with 200,000 GPUs, Grok 3 reportedly harnesses 10x more computing power than its predecessor, Grok 2, and incorporates an expanded dataset, including legal case filings.

Musk describes Grok 3 as a ‘maximally truth-seeking AI’, even if its findings challenge political correctness. The rollout introduces multiple model variants, including Grok 3 Reasoning and Grok 3 Mini Reasoning, which aim to improve human-like problem-solving and self-fact-checking.

Benchmark tests suggest Grok 3 outperforms OpenAI’s GPT-4o in fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Biology. It also leads Chatbot Arena rankings, being the first AI model to surpass a 1400 score. Users can leverage Grok’s new reasoning models via the Grok app, selecting modes like ‘“’Think’”’ or the computationally intense ‘“’Big Brain’”’ for complex queries.

A key feature, DeepSearch, allows Grok 3 to scan the internet and X (formerly Twitter) for relevant data, synthesising detailed responses. However, some internal reasoning processes remain hidden to prevent AI distillation — an issue highlighted by recent allegations against Chinese firm DeepSeek for copying OpenAI’s models.

Access to Grok 3 is tied to X’s subscription plans, with Premium+ users ($50/month) receiving priority. A SuperGrok plan ($30/month or $300/year) offers expanded reasoning and image-generation capabilities. Additionally, xAI plans to open-source Grok 2 once Grok 3 stabilises.

Positioned as an ‘anti-woke’”’ AI, xAI aims to make Grok politically neutral. However, its impact on AI transparency, bias, and ethics remains a subject of debate as competitors refine their own models.