xAI has announced the implementation of a new memory feature for its Grok artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, a move unveiled on Thursday. This functionality, similar to offerings from ChatGPT and Gemini, enables Grok to remember certain user details for more personalized interactions in future conversations. The memory capability will also allow the chatbot to provide customized advice and recommendations, enhancing the overall fluidity of discussions. This feature is being gradually rolled out to all Grok users across both web and mobile platforms. Additionally, xAI will introduce tools that allow users to see stored information and understand how it is being utilized.
Grok Can Now Remember Past Conversations
According to a post on X (previously Twitter), the official Grok account confirmed the release of the memory feature. This enhancement enables the AI chatbot to recall specific details from previous discussions, allowing for references in future chats. Both users on the free tier and those subscribed to premium services will have access to this new functionality across the Grok website as well as on Android and iOS applications.
With the introduction of this feature, when a user prompts Grok with a request that could benefit from contextual information, it can utilize insights from earlier interactions to offer a more personalized response. For example, when a user asks Grok to develop a workout routine, the chatbot will consider their preferred exercise styles and integrate these into its suggestions.
Users will maintain control over the information that Grok saves and recalls. When a response includes references from past interactions, a new icon will be displayed at the bottom of the response, adjacent to the share icon. This icon, labeled “Referenced Chats,” can be clicked to access a sidebar that details the specific memories used in formulating the response. Users can remove these memories directly from this sidebar. Currently, this feature is only available through the web interface; however, xAI has indicated it will soon be included in the Android app as well.
Furthermore, users have the option to navigate to the Settings menu and access the Data Controls page to disable the feature entirely or delete individual memories; this capability is presently available only through the website. Importantly, while Grok’s memory functionality is being launched globally, it will not be accessible in the European Union (EU) or the UK due to local privacy regulations.
Founded by Elon Musk, xAI entered the generative AI landscape relatively later than its competitors. The company rolled out the Grok chatbot in November 2023, nearly a year after models from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic. However, since its debut, xAI has been actively enhancing Grok with new functionalities to better compete in the market. In 2024 alone, the company has released Android and iOS applications, unveiled the Grok 3 model featuring DeepSearch and Voice Mode, and integrated Grok into X, allowing users to tag the AI in their replies for direct responses.
