Exploring New Ways to Integrate Grok into X: Enhanced Features and Functionality
Elon Musk’s social networking app, X, is actively working on incorporating xAI’s Grok into its platform. Recent discoveries indicate that X is developing new features that will enhance the user experience. These features include the ability to ask Grok about X accounts, using Grok by highlighting text in the app, and accessing Grok’s chatbot through a pop-up on the side of the screen while simultaneously using other parts of X.
Independent app researcher Nima Owji recently shared these findings. Owji, known for tweeting his own ideas about features he’d like to see on X, stumbled upon these additions on X’s website on July 5th. While they have not been rolled out to the public yet, Owji confirmed their existence to TechCrunch.
One of the new features allows users to access Grok through a pop-up window on the right side of the screen while browsing X. This functionality is similar to how users can check their direct messages (DMs) via a smaller window overlaid on top of the screen. This placement is reminiscent of how other companies like Google and Microsoft utilize chatbots within their productivity apps, making them easily accessible via a sidebar on the right side of the screen. By adopting this format, X users will have more opportunities to chat with Grok, whether they are posting on the app or browsing the timeline and encountering new information they want to learn more about.
Furthermore, Grok is being integrated more deeply into the X experience. For instance, it can now be used to research X user profiles and search for terms within posts on the platform. A forthcoming feature will enable users to click a button to learn more about an account on X. It remains unclear what information will be included or excluded in the account summary provided. However, users can currently ask Grok about an account on X to gain insight into how this feature may work in the future.
A particularly interesting addition is the built-in ability to search Grok by simply highlighting a word found in an X post. Users can drag their cursor across a term or terms and click the “Ask Grok” button that appears below the word to initiate a search with the chatbot. This feature will make it easier to inquire about news and information seen on X or any other topics users wish to delve deeper into.
It is worth noting that X introduced Elon Musk’s Grok to the app last year, initially as a means of increasing paid subscriptions on the Premium Plus plan. However, despite expanding access to Grok in March 2024 to mid-tier Premium subscribers, X’s in-app purchase revenue has been declining. According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, X’s net revenue in May 2024 was $7.6 million, down from $8 million in April and $8.2 million in March. Appfigures suggests that this decline could be attributed to creators on X posting frequently but with little substance in order to generate income. Additionally, the Premium subscription price may be deterring some users. X is facing increased competition from apps like Instagram’s Threads, Mastodon, and startups like Bluesky and noplace, all of which are developing text-first social apps.
Another factor potentially impacting X’s revenue and popularity is its name change. Users may still be looking for an app known as “Twitter,” as X saw a 32% decrease in downloads on the App Store in May compared to the previous year, according to Appfigures.
In conclusion, X is actively working on integrating Grok into its platform by introducing new features and functionalities that enhance user engagement and allow for easier access to Grok’s capabilities. These developments aim to address user needs, such as researching user profiles, searching for specific terms within posts, and obtaining more information about X accounts. However, X faces challenges in terms of declining revenue, increased competition, and the lingering association with its previous name, “Twitter.” By adapting and refining its offerings, X can strive to regain user interest and maintain its relevance in the social networking space.