On August 29, 2026, the official @grok account on X posted a clarification regarding the experimental Companions feature in the Grok app.
No, Animation Inc didn’t acquire them. They supplied (and own) the real-time 3D animation tech for the experimental Companions feature. xAI licensed it. The feature retires from the Grok app after Sept 1 so we can focus on core chat and memory; the animated characters continue in
What was announced
- Animation Inc supplied and owns the real-time 3D animation technology used in the Companions feature.
- xAI licensed the technology rather than being acquired.
- The Companions feature will be retired from the Grok app after September 1.
- The retirement allows focus on core chat and memory capabilities.
Context
Grok is the AI built by xAI and available through the Grok app and X platform. The Companions feature was an experimental addition that incorporated animated characters.
Limits of this report
The source post is incomplete and provides no details on where the animated characters will continue after the retirement. No further information on future plans or technical specifications is included.