X introduces new AI image generation model Aurora, then pulls it back

Elon Musk’s AI start-up xAI has released a new AI image generation model called Aurora, which later disappeared.

X employee Chris Park announced that Elon Musk’s AI start-up xAI had released a “brand new image gen model” called Aurora, which later appeared to have been retracted.

The new Grok 2 + Aurora combo could be accessed through the X app in the model selector, Park said on the Musk-owned social media platform. Park further noted that Grok 3 was on the way.

The developer was responding to a post by rival OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who expressed excitement about an update the company was releasing on Monday (December 9, 2024). The ChatGPT-maker is currently carrying out a ‘12 Days of OpenAI’ release series, with a new development expected daily during weekdays.

However, the new Aurora AI model generated images of real people in fantastical situations, as well as copyrighted characters, noted tech outlet TechCrunch.

Additionally, The Hindu was unable to access the new Aurora image generator, and could only find the Grok 2 + FLUX beta option. Tech outlets The Verge and Engadget also reported that the Grok 2 + Aurora option was no longer visible, and that it may have been pulled back.

“This is our internal image generation system. Still in beta, but it will improve fast,” said Musk about Aurora on X on December 8.