X Introduces New Image Generation Tool: Aurora
X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk and formerly known as Twitter, has leveled up its AI capabilities with the addition of a new image generator named Aurora. This upgrade enriches the existing Grok assistant, opening up a world of creative possibilities for users.
What is Aurora?
Announced over the weekend, Aurora appears to prioritize photorealism, allowing users to create stunning images of various subjects with ease. Unlike many competitors, Aurora has few restrictions, as highlighted by user experiments that show it can generate images of both public figures, like Mickey Mouse, and controversial subjects without much scrutiny. However, it seems to draw the line at explicit nudity based on initial tests, while more graphic images, such as those depicting violence, were fair game.
One user showcased Aurora’s potential by creating a scene featuring actors Ray Romano and Adam Sandler on a sitcom set, garnering interest and excitement from fellow users.
How Does It Work?
Accessible via the Grok feature on X’s mobile app and website, Aurora’s operational details remain somewhat unclear. It’s still uncertain whether xAI, Musk’s AI startup behind Grok’s development, trained Aurora from scratch, built upon an existing image generator, or collaborated with another entity, as was the case with its earlier model, Flux.
Despite its impressive abilities, Aurora is not without its flaws. Users have reported instances of bizarre image outputs, such as objects merging unnaturally and characters depicted without fingers—an ongoing challenge for many image generators.
Pricing and Availability
Good news for users: Aurora comes at no additional cost, since Grok has been made available for free to everyone. Previously, access to Grok required a subscription of $8 per month. Now, every user can send up to 10 messages to Grok every two hours and generate up to three images daily.
Big Moves Ahead
The introduction of Aurora is part of a larger trend for X and xAI. The AI startup recently secured $6 billion in funding, signaling its commitment to innovation and expansion. Moreover, there are rumors of a standalone app for Grok on the horizon, as well as the anticipated launch of a next-generation model, Grok 3.
Conclusion
As X continues to enhance its AI features, the introduction of Aurora signals an exciting leap forward for creative expression on the platform. Whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration or simply curious about cutting-edge technology, Aurora offers a unique playground for exploration and innovation.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.