Introducing Mico

Microsoft has launched Mico, a visual AI companion that joins the Copilot voice assistant. Described as an "expressive, customizable and warm" face for the voice mode, Mico appears as a friendly, color‑changing blob that reacts to user input. The design draws a clear parallel to the nostalgic Clippy, positioning Mico as a contemporary, conversational counterpart for today’s AI‑driven experiences.

Function and Personality

The purpose of Mico is to listen, support, and offer guidance without being obtrusive. Microsoft emphasizes that the avatar will "push back on you sometimes, but always respectfully," providing candid feedback while maintaining a courteous tone. Users can choose to keep the visual presence turned on by default or disable it if they prefer a purely voice‑based interaction.

Learn Live Integration

Mico is a core component of Copilot’s newly announced Learn Live feature, aimed primarily at students. In this mode, Mico takes on the role of a Socratic tutor, steering learners through concepts instead of simply delivering answers. The tutoring toolkit includes probing questions, visual cues, and an interactive whiteboard, all orchestrated by the avatar’s responsive gestures and color shifts.

Availability

At launch, Mico is rolling out in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. It is enabled by default for Copilot’s voice mode, but users retain full control to switch it off if they find the visual character unnecessary or distracting.

Strategic Positioning

Microsoft frames Mico as a modern reinterpretation of Clippy, signaling a shift toward more personable, visually engaging AI assistants. By coupling a friendly avatar with sophisticated tutoring tools, the company aims to enhance user interaction, boost learning outcomes, and differentiate its Copilot offering in a competitive AI marketplace.

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