X is getting an AI makeover with Imagine and your virtual Valentine

Grok and xAI logos | Reuters

X, the platform we once knew as Twitter, is stepping into its next big phase. This time, it is going all-in on artificial intelligence. It is currently testing two new features that feel like something out of a tech-meets-romance film. One generates videos from text. The other is a virtual chatbot that talks back—with character.

These features, called Imagine and Valentine, are still in early testing, but they offer a clear glimpse of where X wants to go. The goal is to make the platform more expressive, more interactive, and far more AI-focused.

No camera? No problem

Let’s begin with Imagine. It is a text-to-video tool that does exactly what it promises. You type a prompt, and within seconds, the AI turns it into a short video. The tool is powered by X’s own AI system, Grok, and uses technology from Hotshot, a startup the company quietly acquired earlier this year.

Elon Musk has already posted a few demos, and the results are smoother than expected. The tool removes the need for a camera, editing software or any special skills. All you need is an idea and a keyboard.

With this launch, X appears to be entering the same space as Google’s Veo, where content creation starts with a single sentence. The difference is that X is bringing this directly into the social media experience, making it accessible to everyone, not just content creators.

Now for the slightly more unconventional update. Valentine is an animated, voice-enabled AI character who responds with facial expressions and a confident tone. Musk described him as “part Edward Cullen, part Christian Grey,” which gives you an idea of the vibe.

Valentine is the newest member of X’s expanding cast of Grok-powered characters, which already includes Ani and Bad Rudi. What sets him apart is his personality. He feels less like a tool and more like someone you could have an actual conversation with. The idea is to make AI feel human, playful and emotionally aware.

Valentine is not there to assist with productivity. He is there to chat, banter, and maybe even make you laugh. Whether that feels exciting or slightly strange depends on how you view the future of AI.

The future of X

In an official statement, X said: “We’re excited to introduce Imagine, a text-to-video AI feature built on the power of Hotshot and Grok, to help creators and everyday users produce creative content effortlessly. In parallel, we’re adding Valentine, the latest animated AI ‘companion’, to offer users natural, engaging chat experiences.”

X is clearly no longer just a platform for sharing news or quick updates. It is trying to reimagine what social media can be. From generating videos out of thoughts to chatting with a digital companion that talks back, X is heading into new territory.

Whether users love it, question it, or just observe from a distance, one thing is certain. The platform, once built for short posts, is now experimenting with something bigger. It is trying to talk, create, and connect in ways that feel a lot more personal.

Sci/Tech