xAI, the artificial intelligence startup led by Elon Musk, unveiled Grok 3—the latest and most advanced version of its AI model—on Monday (17). This new generation of Grok promises enhanced search and logical reasoning capabilities, aiming to directly compete with market leaders like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini.

During a live-streamed event on platform X, Musk and his team highlighted Grok 3’s key advancements. The new model outperformed competitors in various benchmarks, showing superior results in fields like mathematics, science, and programming. According to xAI, Grok 3 achieved better scores than Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s GPT-4o, Anthropic’s Claude 3.5, and DeepSeek’s V3. However, direct comparisons with models specializing in advanced reasoning, such as OpenAI’s o3-mini and DeepSeek R1, remain unclear.

One standout feature is the “deep search” system, an advanced web research tool that enables Grok 3 to access and analyze information with greater precision and depth than its predecessors. This is particularly useful for complex queries that require contextual understanding and real-time multi-source analysis.

Another innovation is Grok 3’s ability to autonomously program online games, allowing developers and enthusiasts to create interactive experiences directly with the AI. The newly introduced “big brain” mode is designed to solve complex problems that demand logical reasoning and in-depth analysis, significantly expanding Grok 3’s range of applications.

Musk also announced that a “voice mode” is in development and will be launched soon. This feature will enable natural conversation-based interactions, similar to what’s available on ChatGPT, offering users a more intuitive and seamless experience.

Grok 3 is already available to subscribers of X’s Premium+ plan at a monthly cost of $40. Additionally, users can access Grok directly through its standalone app or website, providing flexibility for different user preferences.

xAI also revealed plans to release enterprise versions of Grok 3, focusing on corporate automation, data analysis, and technical support solutions. These versions will include specialized features tailored to meet the demands of large organizations, emphasizing security and customization.

The launch of Grok 3 comes amid intense competition in the AI market. Major tech giants are investing billions in robust infrastructure, including advanced data centers, to power increasingly sophisticated AI models. The shared vision among these companies is that AI has the potential to significantly transform how we work, communicate, and access information—even replacing traditional search engines and complex programming processes.

In addition to American competition, xAI faces new challenges from rising international startups like China’s DeepSeek. The recent launch of DeepSeek’s R1 model drew attention for its efficient AI training methods, raising questions about Silicon Valley’s infrastructure investments.

Tech titans such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta are redoubling their efforts to maintain market dominance, while innovative startups continue to emerge with fresh approaches and solutions. This highly competitive environment is accelerating advancements, resulting in increasingly sophisticated and accessible AI models.

Elon Musk emphasized that Grok 3 was developed using ten times more computing power than its predecessor, Grok 2. This leap was made possible by the opening of xAI’s new data center in Tennessee last year, which enabled large-scale model training.

The new data center features cutting-edge technology, including servers optimized for AI operations and advanced cooling systems to handle high energy demands. This robust infrastructure allowed Grok 3 to be trained with a significantly larger data volume, leading to substantial improvements in accuracy and performance.

Despite these advancements, Musk described Grok 3 as “something of a beta,” indicating that the model will undergo refinements in the coming months. “Expect a few imperfections early on, but we’ll improve it quickly,” the billionaire said during the event.

Looking ahead, Musk revealed plans to launch the much-anticipated “voice mode” in the coming days, enabling natural conversation interactions similar to ChatGPT and other competing applications.

On the topic of open-sourcing, Musk stated that xAI plans to release Grok 2’s code to the public once Grok 3 reaches a stable and mature stage, expected in the coming months.

Furthermore, xAI is exploring the creation of an open development ecosystem around Grok, allowing developers to build extensions and customizations for the model. This initiative aims to foster an active and collaborative community, further driving innovation.

The launch of Grok 3 also comes amid tensions between Musk and other key figures in the AI industry. Recently, Musk led a group of investors interested in acquiring OpenAI for $97 billion, an offer that was rejected by the company’s board. The billionaire criticized OpenAI for straying from its original mission of helping humanity, suggesting that its shift to a profit-driven business model compromised its founding principles.

Musk has also been advocating for greater transparency in the AI sector, encouraging competitors to open-source their technologies. His strategic approach not only aims to position Grok as a viable alternative to leading AI models but also to establish xAI as an influential player in ethical and structural debates about the future of artificial intelligence.

Beyond business rivalries, Musk has expanded his political influence by taking on strategic roles in regulatory discussions about AI use. His participation in government forums and international debates is seen as an effort to shape the industry’s future according to his vision and interests.

With Grok 3, xAI takes a significant step toward challenging the biggest names in tech, setting new benchmarks for quality and performance in the AI sector. Its focus on continuous innovation, backed by robust infrastructure and aggressive market strategies, positions Grok 3 as one of today’s most promising AI models.

As competition in the AI sector intensifies, adaptability and rapid evolution will be crucial for success. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, xAI appears well-prepared to tackle these challenges and seize new opportunities, solidifying its place as a major player in the global AI landscape.