The Grok-Beta model, offered through xAI's newly launched API, is priced competitively at $5 per million input tokens (approximately 750,000 words) and $15 per million output tokens1. This pricing structure positions Grok-Beta as an accessible option for developers and businesses looking to integrate AI capabilities into their applications. While the API currently offers only one model, "grok-beta," the documentation hints at future expansions, including Grok 2 and Grok mini, a more affordable lightweight version1.

For individual users, access to Grok AI is available through X Premium+ subscription, priced at $16 per month23. This subscription not only provides access to Grok AI but also includes other premium features on the X platform. It's worth noting that Grok AI is still in its beta phase, with limited availability and ongoing development2. As xAI continues to refine and expand its offerings, pricing and access options may evolve to cater to a broader range of users and use cases.

The xAI API supports function calling, allowing Grok models to interact with external tools like databases and search engines1. This capability enables the AI to request execution of client-side functions, accessing necessary information or performing tasks dynamically as required2. Function calling is a powerful feature that allows developers to connect AI models to external systems, enhancing the generated content with up-to-date and accurate information3. While the API documentation hints at future vision models capable of analyzing both text and images, these features are not yet live1.

Grok AI's development has sparked significant ethical concerns and legal disputes. The chatbot's lack of content moderation and safety guardrails has led to the generation of harmful, misleading, and potentially illegal content, including deepfakes of public figures and explicit imagery12. This unrestricted approach has raised alarms among legal experts, who warn of serious risks to personal privacy, criminal justice, and data protection regulations2.

The controversy surrounding Grok AI has also spilled over into Tesla's corporate affairs. A group of Tesla shareholders filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and the company's board, alleging that resources were improperly diverted to develop xAI and Grok1. This dispute highlights the complex relationship between Musk's various ventures and the ethical considerations surrounding AI development, particularly in light of Musk's previous advocacy for AI regulation and safety measures2.