Elon Musk’s xAI Unveils Grok 3 AI Model with DeepSearch & Voice Mode

Elon Musk’s xAI has introduced Grok 3, a next-generation AI model designed to surpass competitors such as OpenAI and DeepSeek. The company claims that Grok 3 is ten times more powerful than its predecessor and features enhanced reasoning capabilities, a new DeepSearch tool, and an upcoming voice mode.

Additionally, xAI plans to open-source Grok 2 later this year and has launched Grok 3 Mini, a smaller, faster variant that prioritizes speed over accuracy.

Key Features of Grok 3

Two Powerful Models: Grok 3 Reasoning & Grok 3 Mini Reasoning

• Problem-Solving Ability: Designed to "think through" problems, similar to OpenAI's o3-mini and DeepSeek R1.

• Real-Time Accuracy Checks: Fact-checks responses in real-time to reduce inaccuracies.

• Outperforms OpenAI’s o3-mini: Scores high in math, science, and programming benchmarks, including AIME 2025, a high school-level mathematics test.

• Available via the Grok app.

New User Modes

• “Think” Mode – Uses Grok 3 mini to engage a deeper reasoning for complex queries.

• “Big Brain” Mode – Uses the full Grok 3 model for more intricate inquiries that necessitate greater computational resources, like complicated queries involving reasoning in math, science, or coding.

DeepSearch (Coming Soon)

Scans online sources, including X (formerly Twitter), to generate real-time responses. DeepSearch takes longer to process but offers more relevant and detailed responses by incorporating information from its internet scans into its answers.

• Similar to OpenAI’s Deep Research feature.

• Voice Mode (Coming Soon)

• Introduces a synthesized voice feature for AI interactions.

• Expected to launch within the next week.

How Grok 3 Was Built

Grok 3 was trained on Colossus, a custom-built supercomputer featuring over 200,000 GPUs housed in a Memphis, Tennessee data center. According to xAI, Colossus was developed in just six to eight months specifically to train the next-generation Grok models.

Subscription Tiers & Pricing Changes

Grok 3 will be available first to X Premium+ subscribers, but xAI is also launching a new standalone subscription called SuperGrok:

• SuperGrok Subscription ($30/month or $300/year)

• Access to advanced reasoning features.

• DeepSearch queries.

• Unlimited image generation.

Meanwhile, X Premium+ pricing has increased to $40 per month—an 81.8% jump from its price in December which was $22 per month. This marks the second price hike in three months.

Musk Reaffirms Commitment to Open-Source AI

As part of xAI’s open-source initiative, Musk reiterated that Grok 2 will be open-sourced once Grok 3 reaches stability and maturity. The company expects to release Grok 2’s source code in the coming months.

Looking Ahead: The Future of xAI’s Grok Models

With Grok 3’s launch, xAI is positioning itself as a key competitor to OpenAI and other AI firms. Features like DeepSearch, real-time reasoning, and voice interactions signal a push toward more interactive and fact-driven AI systems.

If xAI successfully delivers on its promises, Grok 3 could represent a major step forward in AI-assisted reasoning. However, with rising subscription costs and increasing competition, xAI will need to demonstrate clear advantages to attract and retain users.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.