Microsoft unveiled its Copilot Fall Release on Thursday, introducing a range of new features, along with a new face for the AI chatbot: Mico (Microsoft Copilot). Despite the buzz of the new "Human-Centered AI" pitch Microsoft is going for, all eyes are on what looks to be the first official Clippy successor -- built for the AI-centric world we live in.
It's hard not to admit that Microsoft nailed it on the cute factor with Mico, but those who don't want to see the character don't have to -- it's completely optional to use.
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Mico brings a face to Copilot and was designed to be expressive, customizable and warm. This approach is intended to make voice conversations feel more natural -- like you're actually talking to something instead of a disembodied voice. It will respond in ways beyond just a voice reply, such as changing colors and animation.
Here's Mico doing appendage-less cartwheels and changing colors for 40 seconds:
Another touch point Microsoft brought up was "real talk," which will challenge assumptions "with care" and adapt to your vibe. This is apparently to help conversations spark growth and connection.
If you needed any more indication that Micro is the new Clippy, AI and Tech site, Testing Catalog (via Windows Central) spotted an Easter egg on the mobile app: If you tap on Mico enough, it will eventually turn into Clippy temporarily. My attempts to have Mico turn into Clippy failed, though it did turn silver as a direct response to my request for it to "turn into Clippy."
You can watch the full announcement from Microsoft below, with Mico's appearance taking center stage at the 42-minute mark.
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