Microsoft has introduced Mico, a new virtual assistant for the voice mode of Copilot, which serves as a modern take on the iconic Clippy from Microsoft Office. This assistant responds to user commands in real time, showcasing emotions through animation and facial expressions.
According to Jacob Andreu, Vice President of Microsoft AI, Mico is designed to make communication with Copilot more natural: "Technology fades into the background – you simply interact with a charming character and establish a connection".
Currently, Mico is only available in the United States, and animations are activated by default in the voice mode of Copilot. The assistant employs an updated memory system that allows it to remember facts about the user and their tasks.
Microsoft is also introducing the Learn Live mode, which transforms Mico into an interactive tutor. In this mode, it assists with educational topics using visual cues and a virtual board – aimed at students and language learners.
The launch of Mico is part of Microsoft's strategy to create a distinctive "personality" for Copilot. Earlier, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman stated that the assistant would have a consistent identity and even a "virtual room".
Mico is also part of Microsoft's new advertising campaign promoting Windows 11 as "a computer you can talk to." The company hopes that Mico will help users interact with AI more naturally, although it faces the challenging task of convincing people that talking to a computer is not odd.
According to Andreu, Mico contains an Easter egg related 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 the experimental Copilot Portraits feature, allowing users to choose animated human faces for Copilot.