宅男福音！定制“二次元女友”AI 火爆，马斯克开 44 万刀抢工程师

Core Viewpoint - xAI, led by Elon Musk, has launched two AI virtual companion characters on the Grok iOS app, aiming to create engaging and interactive experiences for users, particularly targeting the anime culture and the concept of "Waifus" [1][12]. Group 1: Product Development and Recruitment - xAI is hiring for a "Full Stack Engineer - Waifus" position, offering a salary of up to $440,000, excluding stock options and benefits, to develop AI characters [1][4]. - The role involves enhancing Grok's real-time virtual image system and contributing to audio processing and interactive gameplay research [4][6]. - Ideal candidates should be proficient in Python and Rust, familiar with low-latency systems, and able to work with key protocols like WebSocket and WebRTC [4][6]. Group 2: User Engagement and Market Response - The introduction of AI companions has generated significant buzz on social media, with users humorously discussing the potential benefits of virtual companions during long journeys, such as to Mars [6][10]. - Grok has quickly risen to the top of the App Store's free applications chart in Japan, indicating strong user interest and engagement [10][11]. - Users have reported that Grok is more intelligent and entertaining compared to other AI tools, leading to a preference for this application [10]. Group 3: Features and User Interaction - Users will soon be able to create their own digital companions, customizing aspects like voice, appearance, and personality [15]. - The character Ani is designed to engage users in a gamified manner, with a flirty and emotional interaction style, appealing particularly to a male audience [17][19]. - The app's content has raised concerns regarding its appropriateness for younger users, as it includes elements that may be considered adult-themed [24].