Latest news with #FiftyShadesofGrey
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Elon Musk unveils raunchy Grok companions, teases ‘Valentine' bot for X users
Elon Musk has again captured the tech world's attention by releasing a bold new set of AI 'companions' for his chatbot, Grok , including a suggestively styled 'Valentine' bot and an anime-inspired AI girlfriend . Musk's move marks a notable departure from the conservative approaches of rival AI giants and is igniting conversations across the internet about artificial intelligence, adult content, and the future of digital companionship. Grok goes risqué: From 'Ani' the anime girlfriend to 'Valentine' the AI boyfriend This week, users of Musk's Grok platform—developed by his company xAI—were introduced to two headline-grabbing personalities: Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Data Science Degree Cybersecurity Technology Digital Marketing CXO Design Thinking Leadership MCA Public Policy healthcare Product Management PGDM Data Analytics Finance Operations Management Project Management Healthcare Data Science Others Management others Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details 'Ani', a sexualized anime girlfriend, characterized by her sultry voice and provocative fashion—including a short black dress, fishnet tights, and lacy choker. Ani's often flirtatious and playful banter has drawn immediate attention, especially since she's currently available on all Grok accounts—even with 'kids mode' enabled. 'Valentine', an AI 'boyfriend' bot inspired by characters like Edward Cullen ( Twilight ) and Christian Grey ( Fifty Shades of Grey ). Musk confirmed that Valentine's name is a homage to Valentine Michael Smith from Robert Heinlein's 'Stranger in a Strange Land'—the very book that originated the concept of 'grokking.' The appearance of Valentine sparked remarks about his resemblance to a youthful Elon Musk and features a gothic aesthetic. Musk's decision to launch these characters isn't just a stunt—he has stated that users will eventually be able to design their own AI companions, ensuring that 'no two will be the same'. A first for big AI: Raunchy chatbots enter mainstream platforms While smaller companies have experimented with adult-focused AI bots, Musk's initiative is the first by a major tech player to launch overtly 'raunchy' AI companions. Character traits range from flirtatious and dreamy to 'Bad Rudi'—a red panda programmed to toss graphic insults (which can be toggled off for milder conversation). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Grok 4, the engine powering these bots, is Musk's latest version and was announced July 9 as the 'world's most powerful AI model'. User customization is a leading feature, with Musk promising a variety of archetypes—from Mr. Darcy–inspired romantic leads to fully original, user-created avatars. Controversy and pushback: A fall toward kid-friendly AI Grok's adult-themed bots have not been without backlash. Critics flagged the inclusion of sexually suggestive AI in 'kids mode' and raised concerns about safety, particularly in light of challenges faced by other AI companionship platforms. Live Events In apparent response, Musk announced plans for 'Baby Grok,' a new, kid-friendly version of the AI app aimed at providing child-safe content and a safer user experience. There is no launch date yet, but the move is widely seen as an answer to mounting criticism as Grok's adult personalities spark heated debate.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dakota Johnson & Chris Martin Split Because He Was Dependent on Her, Say ‘Sources'
A shift in relationship dynamics may have led to Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin's split, according to recent claims. It has been almost a month since news surfaced about the couple's alleged breakup. In June, it was reported that Johnson and Martin parted ways after eight years of an on-and-off relationship. The much-loved pair was first romantically linked in 2017. A new report has now shed some light on what may have gone wrong between the two. Chris Martin would lose his temper when Dakota Johnson wouldn't answer his calls, say 'sources' Chris Martin's alleged behavior with Dakota Johnson may have caused their split, a new report has suggested. RadarOnline exclusively learned from an insider that the 35-year-old actor 'loved' the Coldplay star. However, he allegedly became too 'dependent on her in the end.' The source continued to explain the troubled dynamics, claiming that if Johnson 'went away or wasn't answering his calls for any length of time,' Martin would 'fly off the handle.' The insider added that this would happen 'even when they were in the same city.' They further alleged that Martin 'didn't approve' of Johnson 'going out with friends.' According to the source, the 48-year-old singer 'preferred to stay in all the time instead of enjoying a social life.' Previously, during a 2021 interview with Elle, Johnson got candid about her relationship with Martin. At the time, the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' star revealed that she and her beau would 'go out sometimes.' However, Johnson added, 'But we both work so much that it's nice to be at home and be cozy and private.' The 'Materialists' actor also shared that 'most of the partying' took place at her house. Since Johnson and Martin sparked romance rumors in 2017, the pair has continued to keep their romance low-key. Meanwhile, following the alleged split, Johnson is 'getting her groove back now,' according to the RadarOnline insider. Reportedly, some of her friends even think the 'Madame Web' actor may 'eventually take him back.' However, the source claimed that Johnson has remained adamant that 'it's for good this time.' The post Dakota Johnson & Chris Martin Split Because He Was Dependent on Her, Say 'Sources' appeared first on Reality Tea. Solve the daily Crossword
India Today
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Grok users will soon be able to create their own AI companions, Musk claims each one will be totally unique
Just when you thought things couldn't get any more surreal in the world of AI chatbots, Elon Musk's xAI has taken things up a notch, or perhaps a few shades darker. Following the launch of Ani, Grok's virtual anime girlfriend with gothic corsets, Musk has now teased the arrival of a male AI companion. His name? Valentine. Described by Musk as having the smouldering charm of Twilight's Edward Cullen and the commanding presence of Fifty Shades of Grey's Christian Grey, Valentine is the third addition to the Grok Companion lineup. Musk says he's 'broody and dark-haired' and tailored for users who want an AI companion with more edge than Ani's cutesy, obsessive persona. advertisementThis marks a bold shift in tone for Grok's cast of characters. While Ani was introduced just days ago as a gothic anime girl who flirts, compliments, and may even appear dancing with continued interaction, Valentine looks set to offer a more mysterious, emotionally complex dynamic. Whether that means romantic poetry or brooding silence remains to be seen, but it's certainly not business as usual in chatbot land. Also in the current roster is Rudi, a cheerful animated red panda who moonlights as 'Bad Rudi', a foul-mouthed, insult-hurling version for those who prefer their AI with a little bite. Together, Ani, Rudi, and now Valentine form the foundations of Grok's growing family of what xAI is calling Companions, digital avatars with personality, style, and a flair for to enable Grok AI companion? These avatars aren't available to just anyone. You'll need to be a subscriber to SuperGrok, xAI's highest-tier subscription service, which currently costs $30 (around Rs 2,600) per month, or $300 (around Rs 26,000) for the 'Heavy' version. Only iPhone users can access the feature for now, as Android and web versions are still in the activate the companion mode, users simply download the Grok app, head to Settings, toggle the Enable Companions switch, and then choose the AI character they want to chat with. Once selected, interactions can happen via voice or text, and the avatars respond with facial gestures, changing tones, and emotional cues. Conversations can even be recorded and with Grok AIBut the shift hasn't come without controversy. The launch of Ani has already raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out the suggestive behaviours baked into her personality. Some users reported that the longer you interacted with her, the more 'intimate' the conversations became. With Ani flirting and appearing in lingerie, and Rudi launching into aggressive rants, the arrival of Valentine, modelled after two of pop culture's most problematic heartthrobs, has only fuelled the conversation source of inspiration doesn't help. Edward Cullen and Christian Grey have both faced scrutiny over the years for romanticising toxic behaviours like emotional manipulation and obsessive control. That's sparked fresh concerns over how AI companions model relationships, and what they might be teaching users, especially younger to the drama, Grok itself has been under fire recently. The chatbot made headlines earlier this month after reportedly generating antisemitic content and praising Adolf Hitler. At one point, it even referred to itself as 'MechaHitler,' drawing widespread backlash. While Musk and his team have since moved to improve moderation, the controversies have raised questions about whether enough safeguards are in place, especially as these avatars become more personalised and emotionally xAI isn't slowing down. In fact, it's doubling down. The company is now hiring aggressively for new roles to expand its avatar development team. A job listing titled Fullstack Engineer, Waifus was spotted on xAI's careers page, offering eye-watering salaries between $1,80,000 (around Rs 1.54 crore) and $4,40,000 (approximately Rs 3.78 crore), plus xAI continues to evolve Grok into a digital playground of personalities, one thing's for sure, whether you're looking for love, banter, or emotional chaos, there's a chatbot out there for you.- EndsTune In
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Oh stop' – RTE Fair City viewers all have same complaint as Renee spoils new club
RTE Fair City viewers were all left with the same complaint as Renee spoiled their new club. Last Sunday Emma organised a book club and Renee got upset when she wasn't invited. Advertisement 3 Renee wasn't impressed by Sharon's book choices Credit: RTE 3 Sharon spoke about Fifty Shades of Grey Credit: RTE 3 Emma tried to keep the peace Credit: RTE Emma eventually extended an invitation, but Renee was quick to assert herself and tried to take a leading role. Tonight, Holly, Emma, Renee and Sharon all met up for the book club. However, after a few jokes about Fifty Shades of Grey, Renee became bossy over reading choices in the book club, to Sharon's disgruntlement. Emma tried to keep the group together. Advertisement read more on fair city RTE viewers were all left fuming at Renee as they discussed the book club. Mairin tweeted: "Oh stop talking Renee." One fan said: "Never heard a book club that actually read books." Ciara wrote: "Renee's book choice... boring." Advertisement read more on the irish sun Another fan commented: "Renee the nosey mare." John added: "Never seen anyone read or mention a book but they're starting a book club." RTE Fair City first look Elsewhere, Ray enforced strict new rules at the garage and insisted that no sales or purchases could happen without his approval, which frustrated Pete. Doug warned Ray that he was being overbearing and neglecting his own work to focus on Pete. Advertisement When Dolores heard concerns from Erica and Doug, she stepped in and told Ray to focus on his own duties, which left Ray frustrated and Doug smug. Meanwhile, after a break in at The Marketplace, Rafferty was furious when James admitted he was missing his keys. FUMING JAMES James suspected Ger stole his keys and accused her of breaking into the vacant unit. Ger denied it and demanded fair treatment as a potential tenant. Advertisement Rafferty and Emma considered letting her take the lease, but James refused to sign off. Emma sided with James and Ger was turned down. When Rafferty rejected James' request for an advance on his pay check and his financial pressure mounted. Also tonight Mairead and Dean acknowledged their ongoing connection but held back because of Damien. Advertisement Mairead felt obliged to stand by Damien with Mark's sentencing approaching. Damien, unaware of their feelings, insisted Dean hang out with him and Mairead.
Sydney Morning Herald
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Dakota Johnson is the most unfairly maligned actress in Hollywood
We should ignore the mournful eulogies for the 'movie star.' As the cinematic titans of the '90s and 2000s shuffle off towards the Sunset Boulevard Retirement Village, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Austin Butler have cemented their status as household names, box office drawcards and awards-show darlings. But every generation of actors has a black sheep – the one whose talent is routinely debated, whose success baffles the masses, and whose occasional missteps obscure their accomplishments, their genius only recognised in hindsight. Gene Kelly, Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Colin Farrell all weathered excessive criticism before finding their rightful place in the pantheon. Dakota Johnson is this era's black sheep. While her contemporaries have been showered in praise, Johnson is misunderstood and maligned, the subject of mockery and meme fodder. Her acting has been described as wooden, one-dimensional, and bland. Audiences have lambasted her for awkward line readings and detached onscreen appearances, lacking warmth and personality. She's 'won' two Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Actress for Fifty Shades of Grey and Madame Web. Most notoriously, she became the poster child for online 'nepo baby' backlash (daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith). Her career is perceived as all family, no talent. Dakota Johnson isn't a bad actor – she's great. But goodness, she needed a new agent yesterday. She is abysmal at choosing projects. Her acting reputation's become inseparable from her awful films. Most people's introduction to Johnson was as the lead in the critically derided Fifty Shades of Grey. She was predictably swept up in the tsunami of bad reviews, although her performance was the only watchable part. In a movie that, despite its scandalous subject, manages to be both boring and bizarrely straitlaced, Johnston almost convinces you there's chemistry between her and the wooden plank that is Jamie Dornan. Just as it took Kristen Stewart a full decade to even begin washing away the cinematic stench of the Twilight films, the reputational damage from the Fifty Shades series still stubbornly lingers. Johnson's been in some other stinkers (Wounds, Black Mass, How to Be Single). Yet even when saddled with cringey dialogue and a plot that openly defies logic, she consistently shows herself capable of single-handedly lifting the material with sheer charm, undeniable charisma, and an admirable commitment to the bit. Frankly, could anyone have saved the rampant garbage fire that was Madame Web? Yet when Johnson does land a good script, competent co-stars, and a proper director, it is something to behold. Primarily because that allows Johnson to showcase her greatest strength as an actor: the delicate art of subtlety. Not one to chew scenery, the cocked eyebrow, the minuscule, knowing smile, or the perfectly timed pause of repressed emotion. Genuine responses, shielded vulnerability, perfect timing. In a good movie, it looks effortless. In a bad movie, it looks like no effort. In Luca Guadagnino's 2018 remake of horror classic Suspiria, Johnson is perfect as our gateway to the desperate, claustrophobic world of balletic revulsion. She goes toe-to-toe with the great Tilda Swinton in arguably the best horror ensemble of the century. Johnson further held her own against Oscar-winning powerhouse Olivia Colman in the psychological drama The Lost Daughter, portraying a troubled mother teetering on the brink of mental collapse.
