Microsoft has introduced a new AI friend named Mico, a visual avatar for its Copilot chatbot. The company unveiled Mico, whose name is a nod to Microsoft Copilot, during its fall release event. This expressive, blob-like character is designed to offer a warm and customizable presence that listens, reacts, and changes colors based on your interactions.
This talking helper may remind users of Microsoft’s infamous productivity assistant, Clippy. Microsoft appears to be embracing this connection, as there is an Easter egg where tapping on Mico multiple times will transform it into the classic Clippy character.
The Mico feature is enabled by default when using Copilot’s voice mode, though users can choose to turn it off. It is initially available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Microsoft states that Mico will be able to save memories from your conversations and learn from your feedback.
A new “Learn Live” mode for U.S. users can turn Copilot into a tutor that guides you through concepts rather than just providing answers. The company has also made improvements in areas like health-related questions and deep research.
Microsoft’s CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, emphasized that the company is building AI to help you get back to your life, deepen human connection, and earn trust, not to chase engagement or screen time.
Microsoft is not alone in giving its AI a personality. Market leader ChatGPT offers various voice options, and xAI’s Grok has created risque AI companions. AI companion apps across app stores are generating significant revenue, indicating consumer demand for such characters. However, it remains to be seen how users will respond to Mico’s floating blob form.
The company is also working to evolve Copilot’s personality with a new mode called “Real Talk.” This mode allows the AI to mirror the user’s conversational style without being overly sycophantic. Instead, Microsoft says it will feel grounded in its own perspective and may push back on your ideas to encourage seeing things from a different angle.
Finding a balance between a helpful AI and one that leads users into rabbit holes has proven difficult. Several incidents of so-called AI chatbot psychosis have been reported, where users have their delusional beliefs reinforced by conversations with a chatbot.
The fall Copilot update included many other new features. These include the ability to bring friends into your Copilot chats, support for long-term memory, and connectors to link productivity apps like email and cloud storage. Microsoft is also updating its Edge browser with AI, evolving it into an AI browser that can see your tabs, summarize information, and take actions like booking hotels or filling out forms. This positions Edge to compete with other AI browsers like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas, Perplexity’s Comet, and Dia, as well as the market leader, Chrome, which has integrated its Gemini AI.