X, the social network owned by Elon Musk, has launched a new AI image generation tool named Aurora. This feature, accessible via the Grok AI tab in the app, allows users to create realistic images from textual prompts, raising questions about its training data and ethical guidelines. The rollout began on December 7, 2024, but Aurora has faced some issues, disappearing for certain users shortly after its release.
Currently, Aurora operates with minimal restrictions compared to other mainstream AI image generators. Users can create images of both public and copyrighted figures, such as Mickey Mouse, without facing immediate consequences. However, it refrains from generating nude images. In tests, the model allowed for graphic imagery, drawing attention to its lack of guardrails in content moderation.
So this new @grok image generation called Aurora just shipped on a Saturday, what do we think folks?
Looks like trained by them, no evals or details, just, here you go, use the thing.
Seems focused on photo realism
— Alex Volkov (Thursd/AI) (@altryne) December 7, 2024
Insights on the Aurora image generator
The introduction of Aurora follows previous iterations of image generation features within the Grok framework. Initially launched in October, the previous version was similar but less advanced. Since launching, users have highlighted Aurora’s ability to produce photorealistic images, including landscapes and still life, even demonstrating uncanny compositions where subjects merge unnaturally.
According to employee statements from xAI, the team behind Grok, it is still unclear whether Aurora was independently developed or built upon existing technologies. Some staff indicated they contributed to fine-tuning the system, suggesting an internal development process. Elon Musk had previously mentioned that xAI was working on a proprietary image generation system, hinting that Aurora may be their latest effort.
The Aurora image generator can be accessed across both mobile and web platforms, allowing free users to generate up to three images per day after the Grok feature was made available without subscription fees. Users can send up to ten messages to Grok every two hours, making it a more accessible AI tool for the platform’s growing user base. Prior to this, Grok was part of a premium service costing $8 per month.
Future developments for Aurora and its underlying technology remain under scrutiny as xAI recently secured $6 billion in funding to further its AI initiatives. Alongside these expansions, xAI is reportedly working on a standalone app for Grok and a next-generation iteration of its chatbot, Grok 3.
Since its launch, Aurora has faced mixed reviews from users. Image generation has been praised for its photorealistic capabilities; however, challenges persist, particularly with complex objects. Users have reported oddities like poorly rendered hands, showcasing the well-known difficulties image generators encounter with rendering limbs accurately.
Moreover, the premature disappearance of the image generator for some users has sparked discussions about its reliability. Observations from various xAI staff suggest ongoing enhancements may be necessary to resolve these issues.
Featured image credit: BoliviaInteligente/Unsplash
