Microsoft has launched Mico – a new virtual character that serves as a modern interpretation of the iconic Clippy assistant for the voice mode of Copilot. This new assistant responds to users' words in real-time, expressing emotions through facial expressions and animations.
Jacob Andreu, Vice President of Microsoft AI, explained that Mico was created to make interaction with Copilot more natural: "Technology takes a backseat – you simply communicate with a charming, glowing object and build a connection with it".
Currently, Mico is available only in the United States, with animations activated by default in the voice mode of Copilot. The assistant utilizes an updated memory system that allows it to remember facts about the user and their work.
Microsoft is also introducing a Learn Live mode, transforming Mico into an interactive tutor. In this mode, it helps users navigate educational topics using visual prompts and a virtual whiteboard – a feature aimed at students and language learners.
The launch of Mico is part of Microsoft's strategy to establish a distinct identity for Copilot. Earlier, CEO of Microsoft AI Mustafa Suleyman stated that the assistant will have a consistent identity and even a "virtual room".
Mico also accompanies a new advertising campaign for Microsoft that promotes Windows 11 as "a computer you can talk to". The company hopes that Mico will help users interact with AI more naturally, despite the challenge of convincing them that talking to a computer is not strange.
According to Andreu, Mico contains an Easter egg dedicated to Clippy: if you tap the character quickly, you can see a special reaction – a kind of "hello" from the past.
Additionally, Microsoft previously introduced an experimental feature called Copilot Portraits, allowing users to choose animated human faces for Copilot.