Tesla Vehicles to Use Activation Phrase for Grok AI, According to Musk's Confirmation
Tesla Introduces Hands-Free Activation for In-Car AI Assistant Grok
Tesla's in-car AI assistant, Grok, is set to become more convenient and natural to use with the addition of a new wake word, "Hey Grok." This announcement was made by Elon Musk, confirming that the hands-free wake word activation will be introduced after the 2025.26 software update [1][2].
Currently, Grok requires a long press on the voice command button or scroll wheel to activate. The new "Hey Grok" wake word feature will enable true hands-free control, allowing drivers to interact with Grok more naturally while keeping their hands on the wheel, especially useful when using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode [1][2].
Grok, powered by xAI's conversational AI, Grok 4, is already a popular feature in Tesla vehicles. With the 2025.26 software update, Grok 4 was rolled out, bringing several enhancements along with the support for multiple voice options and personalities [3][4]. Users can customize Grok's voice and personality, choosing from options ranging from Storyteller to Unhinged, making interactions more personalized [5].
The 2025.26 software update also includes several other enhancements, improving the overall user experience in Tesla vehicles. However, at this time, there is no available information indicating that Tesla plans to support additional or alternative wake words beyond "Hey Grok" [6].
Users are encouraged to suggest alternative wake words for Tesla's Grok AI assistant in the comments section on Tesla's official support page. Some suggested alternatives include "OK Grok," "Engage Warp Drive," and "Ready to Grok" [7].
Grok 4 is expected to become a central part of the in-car user experience in Tesla vehicles, providing a more personalized and natural interaction for drivers and passengers alike.
[1] https://www.tesla.com/support/updates [2] https://www.x.com/grok-4 [3] https://www.tesla.com/support/updates/2025-26 [4] https://www.x.com/grok-4-in-tesla [5] https://www.tesla.com/support/grok/personalize [6] https://www.tesla.com/support/grok/wake-word [7] https://www.tesla.com/support/grok/comments
- With the expanding automotive industry, Tesla's investment in artificial-intelligence technology, such as the ongoing development of Grok 4, could potentially revolutionize the transportation sector, bridging the gap between finance and technology.
- As the finance industry continues to evolve, Tesla's integration of AI technology, like the hands-free activation for Grok, could spur growth in transportation and further enhance the user experience within the automotive sector.
- In the coming years, advancements in technology, particularly the implementation of AI assistants like Tesla's Grok, are poised to transform the transportation industry, offering innovative solutions for both drivers and passengers, even in areas such as finance.
