Grok can now understand any image you throw at it
Just a week ago, X announced a change in how it pays premium subscribers, shifting from ad-based revenue to an engagement-based model. Now, it is introducing a new image recognition feature for Grok that could help boost engagement on the platform, benefiting everyone.
Premium X subscribers can now send images to Grok and ask the chatbot questions about them. The bot can reportedly discuss what the image is, and where it’s from, and even offer explanations about the content in the image if requested.
The announcement came from an employee on X, with a confirmation from Elon Musk, who showcased the image recognition feature in a post, using a meme for a fun explanation. But, he noted that this feature is still in its early stages, with plenty of improvements on the way.
This explains why the bot's interpretation of the image might not have been entirely accurate, but it seems to be heading in the right direction.
Grok now understands images, even explaining the meaning of a joke.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 28, 2024
This is an early version. It will rapidly improve.
https://t.co/gQ5BBISVRc
With this new addition, Premium X subscribers can finally access a feature that’s been available on other AI chatbots for a while now, including Meta AI, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.
While X might have been a bit late to the game, Elon pointed out in another post that the company is “getting done in months what took everyone else years.” As users wait for these improvements, it’ll be interesting to see how this feature affects engagement and whether it can attract more users, especially as reports suggest X's current value is just a quarter of what it was when Elon bought it.
This drop in value explains the recent shift to an engagement-based payment system, likely aimed at drawing more people to the platform. If X can keep making strides and create a better experience for advertisers, it might be able to regain some of the value it has lost.
Meanwhile, as X works to find its footing, platforms like Bluesky are taking advantage of its downturn. Recently, Bluesky also announced plans for its premium subscription options, though it won't be what many users are used to.