Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Copilot Appearance, aiming to humanize its AI assistant by providing it with a visual identity. This development is currently being tested with select users in the U.S., U.K., and Canada through Microsoft's Copilot Labs. (thurrott.com)
The Copilot Appearance feature presents an animated avatar that exhibits real-time facial expressions and subtle animations during interactions. For instance, the avatar might smile when delivering information or nod in acknowledgment during a conversation. This design is intended to make interactions with Copilot more engaging and relatable. (thurrott.com)
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, envisions Copilot evolving into a more human-like assistant that develops a "digital patina" over time, reflecting its history and personality based on user interactions. This approach aims to foster a sense of continuity and familiarity, encouraging regular engagement with the AI assistant. (iphoneincanada.ca)
The introduction of Copilot Appearance inevitably draws comparisons to Clippy, Microsoft's animated paperclip assistant from the late 1990s. Unlike Clippy, which was often criticized for being intrusive, Copilot's avatar is designed to remain unobtrusive, engaging with users only when prompted and providing a more seamless user experience. (thurrott.com)
This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to enhance AI interactions by making them more personalized and engaging. By integrating visual elements and memory capabilities, Microsoft aims to create an AI assistant that not only understands user preferences but also provides a more human-like and continuous interaction experience. (iphoneincanada.ca)
While the Copilot Appearance feature is still in its experimental phase, it represents a significant step toward redefining user engagement with AI assistants. By combining visual identity with advanced memory and personalization features, Microsoft is working to create an AI companion that is both functional and relatable.
Source: inkl What if Clippy and AI Cloud intelligence had a baby? It would probably look like Microsoft's new Copilot Appearance feature
