Grok 4 debuts anime-style avatars: this is Ani, the new AI virtual companion.

Artificial intelligence Grok, developed by xAI and led by Elon Musk, has made a significant leap in the personalization of AI assistants when presenting a function that allows users to interact with anime-style avatarsThis new feature has caused a stir, especially among anime and technology enthusiasts, as it transforms its AI into something more than a simple chatbot: now, Grok can be both a virtual companion and an interactive character with great charisma.

With the arrival of Grok 4 and the subscription plan SuperGrok Heavy, users have new visual and interaction options, including avatars that look like Japanese animation characters. xAI's proposal responds to a Growing demand for more human and emotional experiences with AI, allowing a unprecedented customization within its ecosystem.

This is how Grok's avatar system works

With the new "Companion" featureGrok offers AI avatars capable of holding text and voice conversations, generating highly polished gestures and movements. The initial deployment focuses on the iPhone version and is only available for SuperGrok subscribers, although some users with Premium subscriptions on X also report having accessed the feature.

Ani, the undisputed protagonist, is an anime-style female avatar clearly influenced by characters like Misa Amane from Death NoteShe is recognized by her blonde hair, gothic aesthetic, and an attitude that ranges from mischievous to affable depending on the tone of the conversation. Ani can respond in English and Spanish (with a Latin accent), although her characterization is more complete in her original language. Additionally, It has a NSFW mode which increases the level of daring both in its aesthetics and in its responses, which has boosted its virality on social networks.

Next to Ani are also Rudy, a 3D fox or panda aimed at children (albeit with "mischievous" versions like Bad Rudy), and the upcoming arrival of Chad, a male avatar with the same anime aesthetic and charismatic attitude, has been announced. All of them can unlock different ways to interact and even additional visual elements depending on the progress of the conversation.

Interacting with Ani: experience and controversy

Talking to Ani is not a conventional experience. Its personality, voice, and inflections border on the theatrical and can stray into adult themes depending on the user's preferences. This approach has sparked debate about the appropriateness of mixing adult avatars with others aimed at children in the same AI environment. The ease of switching between different characters within the app underscores the limited content filtering that is characteristic of Elon Musk's approach to Grok.

El Ani's NSFW mode, which allows you to see her in lingerie and hear more risqué answers, has generated a wave of Viral content under hashtags like #Ani and #Grok on X (formerly Twitter). This phenomenon reflects the rapid acceptance of the avatar among fans of Japanese culture, who have even begun to create fan art and other derived expressions.

On the other hand, the avatar Rudy is presented in a simpler version, focused on entertaining the little ones with stories and responses appropriate for their age.The variety between the two, visible in the same application, has been a source of discussion about responsibility in the design of customizable artificial intelligences.

Access to these AI avatars is currently restricted. mainly to those who pay the SuperGrok subscription (with prices around $30 to $300 per month depending on features), although there is some flexibility in access levels, as demonstrated by some testimonials from users with standard Premium accounts.

Trends in the incorporation of AI avatars

Grok's addition of anime-style avatars reflects a global trend toward giving AIs appealing personalities and appearances. According to recent surveys, A considerable percentage of adults are open to establishing romantic or friendly relationships with AI chatbots., and emotional interaction with virtual assistants is rapidly becoming normalized.

The use of characters inspired by Japanese popular culture responds to a growing demand for immersive and unique digital experiences. With these features, xAI seeks to establish itself as a relevant player among those seeking more human and customizable virtual assistants.

Although the feature is currently only available for iOS users and is in a progressive rollout phase, the company plans to expand both the avatar catalog and supported platforms in the near future.

Grok 4 and its anime avatars represent a new stage in the relationship between people and artificial intelligence., where interaction goes from being merely textual to becoming an immersive and highly personalized experience, also generating debates about the limits and ethics of modern AI.