Microsoft introduces Mico – a new virtual assistant for Copilot
Microsoft brings back Clippy in a new form – the voice assistant Mico.
Microsoft has unveiled Mico, a new virtual character for Copilot’s voice mode. The assistant is a modern interpretation of Clippy from Microsoft Office and reacts to the user’s speech in real time, displaying emotions through facial expressions and animation.
According to Jacob Andreou, Vice President of Product and Growth at Microsoft AI, Mico was designed to make interactions with Copilot more natural and emotionally engaging.
The assistant is currently available only in the United States. It uses an updated memory system that allows it to remember details about the user, and includes a Learn Live mode – an interactive tutoring feature with a virtual whiteboard for learning and language practice.
The launch of Mico is part of Microsoft’s strategy to develop a distinct “personality” for Copilot. The character also features in a new advertising campaign positioning Windows 11 as “the computer you can talk to.”
Additionally, Mico includes an Easter egg referencing Clippy – if users tap the character rapidly, it responds with a special animation as a nostalgic nod to its predecessor.
