Microsoft hinted at a visual update for Copilot (then known as "Copilot Avatar") a few months ago during its 50th anniversary celebration. This update would give the chatbot a visual character with emotions, reactions, and facial expressions. Copilot Appearance is now available to users in the US, UK, and Canada. It is described as "a fresh, visual way to chat."
Copilot has had conversational mode for some time, but it was devoid of any non-verbal or visual cues. Users only see abstract animation on their screens. Microsoft is enhancing speech discussions with real-time visual expressions with Copilot Appearance.
Copilot Appearance is regrettably not a Clippy 2.0. It is now a faceless abstract blob that can change into various shapes, show emotions, nod in agreement, and more. Microsoft's strategy is far more subdued (and you can't undress it), but the idea is comparable to what xAI provides with Grok AI companions, which cost $300 a month. Microsoft characterizes Copilot Appearance as "an experiment to add a more visual, engaging experience into Copilot" on the official Copilot Labs website.
Imagine being able to watch Copilot respond and talk while you converse. We are expanding Copilot's nonverbal communication capabilities with this experiment, adding real-time visual expressiveness to spoken talks. With this early prototype, you can interact more expressively and engage with Copilot by chatting, brainstorming, asking for guidance, or simply playing around.
