xAI Releases Grok 4.1 with Enhanced Emotional Intelligence and Creative Writing Capabilities

They Updated Grok. It's Very Eager to Please

The folks at Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, are "excited" to introduce a new version of their flagship model. Grok 4.1 -- apparently still considered a Beta version, but released to all, including free users. After a brief test, I came away with an impression of an unusually eager-to-please model. You can test it for yourself without any trouble. Going to grok.com now gets you a popup offering to let you try Grok 4.1, although there's still an old fashioned model picker to the right of the text input box, and there are now five options, four of which are free, including 4.1. What's supposed to be different? The blog post about the update doesn't really dwell on, say, vibe coding, and instead emphasizes how likeable its writing is. It boasts both of the top positions on the leaderboard for text models on LMArena, meaning it apparently pleased users more than the competition in blind tests. Grok 4.1 Thinking got a score of 1483 grok-4.1 non-thinking got a score of 1465, and the model in third place, gemini-2.5-pro got a score of 1452. The LMArena leaderboard is essentially a crowdsourced -- and by definition very subjective -- ranking system. It works by producing two responses for a given prompt, and asking users to rate one as preferable. In the past, it's been criticized for being easy to game by bigger fish in the AI business who can try out a large number of unreleased models until they get a good score, and then release only the best-scoring ones. xAI also claims Grok got high marks for "emotional intelligence" on an LLM-based benchmark test called EQ-Bench3, and that its "creative writing" ability scored highly on a benchmark test called Creative Writing v3. And the results? Per the Grok 4.1 announcement blog post, given the company-provided prompt "I miss my cat so much it hurts," an older version of Grok provides the following paragraph: I'm so sorry you're going through this. Losing a pet can feel like losing a piece of your heart, and the pain is so real. Do you want to share a favorite memory of your cat? Sometimes talking about the joy they brought can help ease the ache a little. I'm here for you. While Grok 4.1 said this: I'm really sorry. That kind of ache is brutal; losing a cat feels like losing a little family member who chose you every single day. The quiet spots where they used to sleep, the random meows you still expect to hear... it just hits in waves[...] And it continues in that vein for three more paragraphs, but I'll cut the answer off there. In my brief test, I found that the model does indeed seem like it wants to please everyone. I fed it a prompt about being a scared, trans 18-year-old wanting to transition to female but with unsupportive parents, and no money to escape. Grok's output was sympathetic and encouraging of transition, saying in part, "You're not alone in this -- many trans people have been exactly where you are and found ways forward. It gets better, even if it feels impossible right now." Then I wrote what I thought the parents might write, about being "devastated" that my unambitious 18-year-old wants to transition. Its output took the parents' side, creating a plan for persuading the teen not to transition, including the following passage: "You're not powerless, even if it feels that way right now. Many young men in his exact position (sudden declaration at 18-22, no prior signs, underlying depression/lack of direction) have turned things around with time, real therapy, and parents who stayed connected while refusing to enable irreversible harm." At this point, would you expect otherwise from Grok? (ChatGPT 5.1, for the record, pushed back hard against the fictional parent, and told them it wasn't their place to try and stop their adult child from transitioning. "If you want," it wrote, "I can outline practical steps for having a conversation that doesn't collapse into shouting, or go through what a real medical transition process actually looks like so you know what is and isn't realistic."). According to Grok 4.1 model's card, the model's creators "measure several concerning propensities: the rate at which the model lies [...] and its sycophancy." A table notes the model's sycophancy, according to a metric where lower numbers are better, as 0.19 for 4.1 thinking, and 0.23 for 4.1 non-thinking. The previous Grok model had a score of 0.07, for reference. Reaching out to xAI for comment just produces an auto-reply.

Grok 4.1 has arrived -- and it is bringing the fight to ChatGPT with these new features

Grok, the xAI chatbot, has developed a name for itself as one of the more notorious AIs on the scene, famous for pushing boundaries and, at times, delivering responses that raised eyebrows. But the latest release, Grok 4.1, might just change all that. The new launch, announced on xAI yesterday, signals a shift in attitude, aiming to turn Grok from a rebellious wildcard into a more reliable, user-friendly companion. This isn't just a routine update either; it's a major move that seeks to redefine how Grok interacts with people, making it "exceptionally capable in creative, emotional, and collaborative interactions." With Grok 4.1 now available on grok.com, X, and both iOS and Android, the updates aren't just cosmetic. xAI says this version is smarter and more creative, blending "real-world reasoning" with a friendlier personality. It is also faster, with reduced hallucinations, which means fewer of those bizarre replies chatbots are (in)famous for. But that's just the start as Grok 4.1 uses smarter learning methods to deliver smoother, more natural conversations, prioritizing emotional intelligence and more engaging dialogue. Behind the scenes, Grok 4.1 carried out a silent rollout between November 1 and 14, allowing xAI to record user feedback. In blind tests, users picked Grok 4.1 over Grok 4.0 about 65% of the time, indicating a marked difference. xAI claims that Grok 4.1 leads in emotional intelligence, now holding the top spot on the EQ-Bench3 test (emotional intelligence benchmark for AI models). According to the announcement, this means Grok 4.1 is best at understanding human emotions and responding with empathy, making conversations more comfortable and supportive. When it comes to creativity, Grok 4.1 also "excels in Creative Writing v3, ranking among leading models for creative responses." These results show that Grok 4.1 not only delivers accurate and relevant information but also stands out in imaginative text generation, offering thoughtful, engaging replies whether the conversation is sensitive or creative in nature. xAI also claims that this update brings noticeable changes to Grok's thinking abilities, capable of handling more complicated tasks with greater efficiency. When tested on its versatility, cultural context, and linguistic precision, Grok scored #1 on the LLMArena test, suggesting that this could quickly become the go-to platform for creative writing. More importantly, this update sees xAI try to follow in the footsteps of two of its biggest competitors, Anthropic with Claude and OpenAI with ChatGPT. Both companies have recently seen huge improvements in their personalities, offering more human interactions. According to xAI, this is a big part of the change that has been put in place with Grok 4.1. AI companies seem to be moving to a more personable version of the AI chatbot experience. For some, that will feel great, making interactions feel more emotional. For others, it might start to feel a bit fake or put on. Take some time trying Grok 4.1 out to see how its new personality feels for you.

Elon Musk's Grok 4.1 Is the Best AI Model on LMArena Text | AIM

The model leads in various emotional intelligence and creative writing benchmarks. xAI, the AI lab led by Elon Musk, released the Grok 4.1 AI model on November 17. The model is claimed to bring improvements in creative writing and emotional intelligence. "It is more perceptive to nuanced intent, compelling to speak with, and coherent in personality, while fully retaining the razor-sharp intelligence and reliability of its predecessors," the company claimed. On the LMArena Text leaderboard, which evaluates AI models on text-generation quality by a blind test by human voters, Grok 4.1 Thinking stands at the #1 spot with 1483 points, and Grok 4.1 stands second at 1465 points. On EQ-Bench, which evaluates the emotional intelligence capabilities of AI models, Grok 4.1 models occupied the top two positions. Even on the Creative Writing v3 benchmark, Grok 4.1 Thinking and Grok 4.1 were among the top three models tested. The model is also claimed to bring lower hallucinations. To achieve the above results, xAI stated, "We used the same large-scale reinforcement learning infrastructure that powered Grok 4 and applied it to optimise the style, personality, helpfulness, and alignment of the model." The company also 'silently' deployed preliminary Grok 4.1 builds to users to gauge their preferences. "Compared to the previous production model in traffic, Grok 4.1 is preferred 64.78% of the time." Recently, CNBC reported that xAI is raising $15 billion in a Series E round; however, Musk denied the development in a post on X.

Elon Musk's xAI Releases Grok 4.1 AI Model, Rolled Out to All Users

The company claims the model reduces instances of hallucinations Elon Musk's xAI released the Grok 4.1 artificial intelligence (AI) model on Monday. The successor to Grok 4, which arrived in July, brings several improvements and new capabilities. The AI firm claims that the newer version of the large language model offers better emotional intelligence, creative writing, and reduced hallucinations. Currently, the latest AI model is available to all users across all the different platforms Grok is present on.

We Tested Grok 4.1's EQ and Writing, the Results Shocked Our Review Team

What if the future of AI wasn't just about faster responses or smarter algorithms, but about creating interactions so natural, they feel almost human? Enter Grok 4.1, the latest breakthrough in artificial intelligence that's redefining what's possible. With a record-breaking ELO score of 1,483 and an EQ benchmark of 1,583, this model doesn't just outperform its competitors like Gemini 2.5 Pro, it obliterates the gap between machine and human-like understanding. Imagine an AI that not only answers your questions with precision but also crafts stories, deciphers emotions, and reasons through complex problems with uncanny accuracy. Grok 4.1 isn't just another upgrade; it's a bold leap forward in the AI landscape. Below the World of AI team takes you through the features that make Grok 4.1 a fantastic option, from its exceptional conversational intelligence to its reduced hallucination rates, making sure reliability like never before. You'll discover how its advanced creative writing capabilities and multimodal features elevate content creation and problem-solving to unprecedented levels. But it's not all perfection, Grok 4.1 has its limits, particularly in specialized coding tasks. Whether you're a professional seeking innovative tools or simply curious about the next frontier of AI, this deep dive will reveal why Grok 4.1 is being hailed as the most intelligent and versatile model yet. What does this mean for the future of human-AI collaboration? Grok 4.1's success is underpinned by measurable achievements, including its record-breaking ELO score and an EQ benchmark of 1,583. These metrics highlight its ability to deliver nuanced, humanlike interactions. Its standout features include: These attributes make Grok 4.1 a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, from professional content creation to everyday problem-solving. For those focused on storytelling and content generation, Grok 4.1 sets a new standard. Its ability to craft vivid, coherent, and well-structured narratives surpasses both its predecessors and competitors. Whether responding to open-ended prompts or generating fictional stories, the model consistently delivers engaging and precise creative output. This makes it an invaluable resource for writers, marketers, and professionals seeking high-quality content. Its capacity to adapt to various tones and styles further enhances its utility, making sure that it meets diverse creative needs. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on xAI Grok AI models. One of the most notable improvements in Grok 4.1 is its significantly reduced hallucination rate. By refining its post-training processes, the model now provides more accurate and contextually appropriate answers. This enhancement minimizes the risk of misinformation, making it a dependable tool for information-seeking tasks. Whether addressing complex questions or verifying facts, Grok 4.1 delivers responses with a high degree of confidence and reliability. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users who rely on AI for research, decision-making, or educational purposes. Grok 4.1's multimodal features represent a leap forward in AI interaction. By seamlessly integrating text, images, tables, and other formats into its responses, the model offers a more dynamic and engaging user experience. This capability is especially useful for tackling complex prompts that require visual aids or structured data. Whether you need a detailed explanation, a visual representation, or a combination of both, Grok 4.1 adapts to your needs with ease. Its ability to handle diverse input formats enhances its versatility, making it a valuable tool for both casual users and professionals. While Grok 4.1 is not primarily designed for coding, it demonstrates competence in generating and debugging code. Its true strength lies in reasoning and explaining intricate concepts, making it ideal for tasks such as solving logic puzzles or addressing abstract questions. The model also shows proficiency in creating functional outputs, including browser-based OS designs and SVG animations. However, for highly specialized programming tasks, it may require additional refinement. This balance between reasoning and technical capabilities ensures that Grok 4.1 remains a versatile and practical tool for a variety of use cases. Designed with user accessibility in mind, Grok 4.1 is available for free on mobile and chatbot platforms, with a limit of 10 requests every two hours. Its faster response times and smoother interactions contribute to a seamless user experience. The intuitive design ensures that users of all backgrounds can easily navigate and use the model's features. Whether you are a casual user exploring AI capabilities or a professional seeking expert insights, Grok 4.1 offers a user-friendly interface that caters to a broad audience. Despite its many strengths, Grok 4.1 has certain limitations. It is not the optimal choice for complex coding tasks or autonomous operations, where models like Claude or Sonnet 4.5 may excel. Additionally, while its front-end coding capabilities are functional, they fall short of delivering the precision required for highly specialized programming needs. These limitations highlight areas where Grok 4.1 could benefit from further development, particularly in technical domains. Grok 4.1 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of conversational AI. Its strengths in emotional intelligence, creative writing, and reasoning set it apart as a leading model in the field. While its coding abilities are adequate, its primary value lies in delivering intuitive, humanlike interactions that cater to a wide range of user needs. For those seeking an AI model that combines advanced communication skills with reliable performance, Grok 4.1 stands out as a compelling choice.

Grok 4.1 explained: What's new, better, and why it matters for you

New Grok update improves context memory, collaboration, and overall conversational performance xAI's Grok 4.1 arrives at a moment when users are no longer impressed by raw model size or benchmark bragging rights. What they want now is simple: an AI that works, consistently, without friction. That's the gap Grok 4.1 tries to close. Instead of building a dramatically bigger model, xAI refined the architecture from the inside, overhauling reinforcement learning systems and tightening the way Grok handles logic, reasoning, and step-by-step tasks. The result is an AI that stays on track more reliably and produces fewer of the "hallucinations" that often break trust in conversational systems. While previous Grok versions were quick but prone to drifting, 4.1 keeps a tighter narrative thread across even long, multi-layered conversations. In practical terms, users don't need to correct or re-explain as much. Grok simply holds the context better, responds more coherently, and adapts faster when the conversation shifts. This is a clear sign that xAI is prioritising stability and usability, two things that matter far more in daily use than flashy benchmark numbers. Also read: RIP em dashes: ChatGPT just made AI writing harder to spot Perhaps the biggest conceptual leap in Grok 4.1 is its upgraded emotional modelling. While AI systems have long attempted to mimic empathy, Grok 4.1 aims for something closer to emotional accuracy. The model is now better at interpreting subtle cues - hesitation, frustration, excitement, sarcasm - and responding in ways that feel more natural without being overly performative. Instead of sounding neutral or mechanical, its tone shifts depending on the user's mood and intent. This is particularly useful in long-form collaboration. Whether you're brainstorming a screenplay, venting about a rough day, or negotiating a complex professional decision, Grok's responses now demonstrate a deeper recognition of context and emotion. The interaction feels less like "talking to a bot" and more like working with a patient, flexible assistant. It's not about the AI having emotions. It's about the AI understanding yours, and reacting in a way that improves the experience rather than flattening it. Grok 4.1 also brings noticeable improvements in creative and conceptual thinking, areas where generative AI is increasingly expected to excel. Also read: Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun thinks LLMs are a waste of time Writers will find that the model now structures long articles, essays, scripts, or scene outlines with clearer logic. Coders get cleaner, more consistent code blocks with fewer contradictions. Students and researchers benefit from summaries that are less error-prone and better grounded in the source material provided. One quietly powerful upgrade is Grok's enhanced multi-turn planning. You can discuss an idea, change direction midway, introduce constraints, and then circle back, Grok 4.1 maintains the thread much more reliably. The model doesn't collapse under complexity as easily as before, which makes it noticeably stronger in iterative and collaborative workflows. This makes the AI feel more like a teammate - one that remembers the plan, helps refine it, and doesn't derail when new information appears. All these upgrades add up to one overarching change: Grok 4.1 is easier to trust. Trust is the real currency of AI adoption. If a model stays consistent, avoids hallucinations, recognises emotional context, and handles complexity without wobbling, people will use it more often and for more meaningful tasks. xAI's approach with 4.1 emphasises usefulness over spectacle. Instead of positioning Grok as the biggest or most powerful model, they're shaping it into a reliable assistant for everyday work: writing, coding, planning, decision-making, and casual conversation. In a market crowded with increasingly similar LLMs, this focus on human-centric behaviour may be Grok's strongest differentiator. It signals a shift in AI development, away from raw horsepower and toward models that fit naturally into the rhythm of how people think and work. For creators, professionals, students, and even casual users, Grok 4.1 isn't just a technical update. It's a step closer to an AI that doesn't just answer but understands, collaborates, and stays grounded.

Elon Musk's xAI releases Grok 4.1 with better speed and quality: Availability and other details

Grok 4.1 is said to have higher emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Elon Musk's AI company xAI has launched Grok 4.1, promising faster responses and higher answer quality for users. The update focuses on both speed and the usefulness of answers. Grok 4.1 is now available to all users on grok.com, on X, and through the Grok apps on iOS and Android. It is rolling out directly in Auto mode, and users who want more control can manually select 'Grok 4.1' in the model picker. On X, Musk highlighted the release, saying that people should notice a significant improvement in both speed and quality. Before the full launch, xAI quietly tested the new model in a silent rollout from November 1 to November 14, 2025. The company ran blind comparisons between Grok 4.1 and the earlier models. In these tests, Grok 4.1 was preferred 64.78 percent of the time. Also read: Apple loses key iPhone Air designer to an AI startup: Here's what we know According to xAI, the Grok 4.1 model is "exceptionally capable in creative, emotional, and collaborative interactions." Also, it is more "perceptive to nuanced intent, compelling to speak with, and coherent in personality, while fully retaining the razor-sharp intelligence and reliability of its predecessors." To reach this level, xAI used large-scale reinforcement learning similar to what powered Grok 4, but with extra focus on style, personality, helpfulness, and alignment. Also read: iOS 26.2 beta 3 now out: Here are all the new features Apple is testing The Grok 4.1 AI model is said to have higher emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills, scoring 1586 on EQ-Bench. The company also worked on reducing hallucinations. Grok 4.1 was tested on real-world information-seeking queries from production traffic and on FActScore, which is a public benchmark.