Elon Musk’s Grok AI integrated with Telegram on Thursday, marking its first big extension beyond X. Telegram faces legal concerns and tough messaging app rivalry.
In addition to X Premium subscribers, Telegram Premium users can now access the chatbot, which is renowned for its provocative and innovative responses.
Telegram has struggled to retain users largely due to its lack of AI features, especially as competitors like WhatsApp roll out advanced tools like MetaAI. The integration of Grok AI could spark renewed interest in Telegram, providing users with access to Grok 3, the latest version of the chatbot.
Telegram users can initiate conversations by searching for “GrokAI” within the app. However, there is no confirmation on whether free-tier users will gain access in the future.
This collaboration highlights Elon Musk’s strategy to expand Grok AI’s influence across platforms. Musk’s xAI describes Grok as a chatbot with a “sense of humour” and real-time access to posts on X. It aims to deliver human-like interactions and intuitive responses, setting it apart from competitors like ChatGPT.
Read also: Elon Musk’s xAI acquires Hotshot, advancing text-to-video AI technology
Grok AI’s evolving role in social media
Grok AI has gained traction since its launch in November 2023 under Musk’s xAI initiative. Initially exclusive to X Premium+ subscribers, it became available to more paid users at reduced subscription costs. Now, its integration with Telegram signals an effort to broaden its user base further.
The chatbot operates in two modes: Regular Mode for accurate responses and Fun Mode for edgy or humorous interactions. While praised for its conversational capabilities and ability to summarise trending topics on X, Grok has also been criticised for occasional inaccuracies or “hallucinations.”
Musk has positioned Grok as a rival to tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. By embedding Grok into Telegram, Musk may be aiming to solidify its presence in the competitive AI chatbot market while enhancing Telegram’s appeal amid ongoing challenges.