Grok now has AI companions including a goth anime girl, says Elon Musk
advertisementBoth of the new characters, Ani and Rudy, a red panda-style figure, can be accessed through the Grok app by adjusting the settings. While xAI has not yet shared official details around the AI companions and their features, the avatars appear to be fully interactive and capable of engaging in typical Grok-style conversations.Part of the X Premium+ subscription
Super Grok is part of the broader X Premium+ subscription, which includes the AI chatbot's advanced features such as DeepSearch, real-time data access, image generation, and a reasoning mode for complex problem-solving. The companions seem to be the latest in a series of features aimed at boosting user engagement and offering greater personalisation for paid users.
While the launch of Grok's AI companions is generating significant interest, early reports from users and testers also point to the inclusion of adult-themed content. One of the avatars, Ani, is said to feature a not-safe-for-work (NSFW) mode that alters her appearance, including suggestive clothing, reports The Verge. Although xAI has not officially detailed the feature, NSFW visuals connected to the character have already surfaced on X, raising concerns around content moderation and oversight.The rollout of AI companions has also reignited the broader debate around the psychological impact of AI relationships. While Grok's avatars haven't been explicitly marketed as romantic or emotional partners, their stylised design and customisable features does place them in a category of AI interactions that blur the line between utility and emotional engagement.In the meantime, users have spotted a third character, named Chad, who may soon be added to the Grok AI companion lineup. Grok already includes a voice chat mode, allowing for interactive spoken conversations, suggesting that xAI may be planning to further expand its persona-driven experience.- Ends
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