Microsoft has unveiled Mico, an animated avatar for its Copilot voice mode, positioning it as a human‑centered feature that aims to deepen connection rather than chase engagement. The design evokes the legacy Office assistant Clippy, even offering an Easter egg that transforms Mico into the classic character. While Microsoft frames the avatar as a tool to return users to their lives, analysts note that Mico may intensify parasocial relationships with large language models, blurring the line between helpful utility and emotional companionship. Read more →

Microsoft introduced Mico, a visual avatar for its Copilot AI chatbot, at the company’s Copilot fall release event. Designed as a warm, customizable "blob" that reacts to user interaction, Mico offers an expressive face for the AI, complete with color changes and an Easter‑egg that transforms it into the classic Clippy. Available initially in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Mico supports voice mode, long‑term memory, and a new "Real Talk" personality mode that mirrors users without being overly sycophantic. The rollout signals Microsoft’s push to humanize AI while expanding Copilot’s productivity features. Read more →

Eline Van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6 and its talent studio Xicoia, introduced Tilly Norwood, an AI‑generated digital avatar, at the Zurich Film Festival. While talent agents have reportedly shown interest, the avatar's role as an "actress" has drawn criticism from SAG‑AFTRA and industry observers who question the ethics and feasibility of AI‑driven performers. Van der Velden envisions the avatar becoming a major screen presence, but the technology relies on human oversight and raises concerns about the impact on human actors and creative labor. Read more →

Los Angeles Comic Con is planning an artificial‑intelligence‑driven hologram of Stan Lee, aiming to let fans interact with a digital version of the Marvel legend. The concept builds on the convention’s earlier use of a volumetric hologram for Boffo the Bear, which relied on live motion capture. This new venture will combine the holographic platform created by Proto Hologram with an AI model supplied by Hyperreal, a firm that focuses on digital identity ownership. Organizers hope the avatar will answer questions about the Marvel universe while staying true to Lee’s own words. Read more →

Vodafone released a commercial featuring an AI-generated avatar as the spokesperson, describing the effort as an experiment in using artificial intelligence for advertising. The company said it is testing different styles of advertising with AI, noting the technology’s growing presence in everyday life. This follows a previous AI-generated ad from last year that attracted controversy, and reflects a broader trend of brands exploring virtual influencers and deepfake technology. Read more →

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has refused to green‑light a plan that would let Catholics interact with an artificial‑intelligence version of him online. While warning that AI could endanger children’s development and threaten human dignity, justice and labor, the pope emphasized that he is not opposed to the technology outright. He highlighted the medical breakthroughs enabled by AI and called for strong regulation to prevent a "fake world" from eroding truth. Read more →

Vodafone released a commercial featuring an AI-generated avatar as the spokesperson, describing the effort as an experiment in using artificial intelligence for advertising. The company said it is testing different styles of advertising with AI, noting the technology’s growing presence in everyday life. This follows a previous AI-generated ad from last year that attracted controversy, and reflects a broader trend of brands exploring virtual influencers and deepfake technology. Read more →

Vodafone released a commercial featuring an AI-generated avatar as the spokesperson, describing the effort as an experiment in using artificial intelligence for advertising. The company said it is testing different styles of advertising with AI, noting the technology’s growing presence in everyday life. This follows a previous AI-generated ad from last year that attracted controversy, and reflects a broader trend of brands exploring virtual influencers and deepfake technology. Read more →

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has refused to green‑light a plan that would let Catholics interact with an artificial‑intelligence version of him online. While warning that AI could endanger children’s development and threaten human dignity, justice and labor, the pope emphasized that he is not opposed to the technology outright. He highlighted the medical breakthroughs enabled by AI and called for strong regulation to prevent a "fake world" from eroding truth. Read more →

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has refused to green‑light a plan that would let Catholics interact with an artificial‑intelligence version of him online. While warning that AI could endanger children’s development and threaten human dignity, justice and labor, the pope emphasized that he is not opposed to the technology outright. He highlighted the medical breakthroughs enabled by AI and called for strong regulation to prevent a "fake world" from eroding truth. Read more →

Vodafone released a commercial featuring an AI-generated avatar as the spokesperson, describing the effort as an experiment in using artificial intelligence for advertising. The company said it is testing different styles of advertising with AI, noting the technology’s growing presence in everyday life. This follows a previous AI-generated ad from last year that attracted controversy, and reflects a broader trend of brands exploring virtual influencers and deepfake technology. Read more →

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has refused to green‑light a plan that would let Catholics interact with an artificial‑intelligence version of him online. While warning that AI could endanger children’s development and threaten human dignity, justice and labor, the pope emphasized that he is not opposed to the technology outright. He highlighted the medical breakthroughs enabled by AI and called for strong regulation to prevent a "fake world" from eroding truth. Read more →

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has refused to green‑light a plan that would let Catholics interact with an artificial‑intelligence version of him online. While warning that AI could endanger children’s development and threaten human dignity, justice and labor, the pope emphasized that he is not opposed to the technology outright. He highlighted the medical breakthroughs enabled by AI and called for strong regulation to prevent a "fake world" from eroding truth. Read more →

Vodafone released a commercial featuring an AI-generated avatar as the spokesperson, describing the effort as an experiment in using artificial intelligence for advertising. The company said it is testing different styles of advertising with AI, noting the technology’s growing presence in everyday life. This follows a previous AI-generated ad from last year that attracted controversy, and reflects a broader trend of brands exploring virtual influencers and deepfake technology. Read more →