Microsoft is adding a visual, animated companion named Mico to its Copilot AI in Windows 11. Designed as an expressive, customizable blob with a face that reacts to user interactions, Mico aims to make the chatbot feel more human‑centered. The move recalls earlier Microsoft assistants such as Clippy, Microsoft Bob, and Rover, but ties the familiar visual style to modern large‑language models and voice controls. Microsoft hopes the new interface will overcome past criticisms of its digital assistants by providing richer context awareness and a friendlier user experience. Read more →

Microsoft has introduced Mico, a virtual AI character that appears as a responsive orb in Copilot's voice mode. Designed to react with facial expressions as users speak, Mico is enabled by default in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, with an option to turn it off. The companion includes a memory feature that recalls user‑specific facts and a Learn Live mode that acts as a Socratic tutor, using interactive whiteboards and visual cues for students and language learners. Mico signals Microsoft’s broader push to give its AI a lasting identity and to encourage people to talk to their PCs. Read more →