Microsoft Gives Copilot a More Expressive Face With 'Mico'

Microsoft rolled out a major Copilot update on Thursday that adds or enhances a dozen tools. But the most noticeable addition is Mico 1, a customizable avatar that gives Copilot an expressive visual identity. Named after Microsoft Copilot, Mico reacts in real time with colors and animations during voice interactions. The character listens and reacts to user input, reportedly changing its appearance to create a friendly, engaging experience that feels natural and supportive.

Mico is not just about appearances; Microsoft says the avatar's emotional responses aim to build trust and make users feel understood. Copilot can also engage in conversation styles like "real talk," which engages in collaborative dialogue, gently challenging assumptions and adapting to each person's mood and input. These updates dovetail with CEO Mustafa Suleyman's earlier remarks that Copilot could become a digital companion that slowly evolves as it learns more about each user.

Earlier this month, Microsoft also unveiled Copilot Portraits . It is an earlier feature that gives users 40 different stylized avatars to choose from; these are based on human appearances rather than an animated blob. They're more photorealistic (though still stylized) and include different genders, ethnicities, and nationalities. Copilot Portraits is part of Copilot Labs, Microsoft's testing platform, and requires a $20/month Copilot Pro subscription, while Mico is the default avatar for regular Copilot users, no subscription required.