Microsoft Unveils AI Companion Mico

Microsoft introduced a new AI character named Mico at the Copilot Sessions event in Los Angeles on October 22, 2025. Mico, part of Microsoft's Copilot virtual assistant, is designed to interact with users by expressing emotions through its animated features.

Mico changes its facial expressions based on the conversation's mood and dons glasses in 'study' mode, showcasing a more user-friendly AI companion compared to the past failure of Clippy. This initiative aims to provide a more engaging and supportive AI experience.

The Microsoft AI team emphasized that Mico is designed to be genuinely useful, avoiding the pitfalls of merely confirming user biases or monopolizing user time. The goal is to assist users in achieving their objectives through collaboration with AI.

As AI chatbots become more prevalent, companies are considering the extent of AI personalization. Microsoft has added features to use AI as an educational tool, guiding students through learning with Socratic questioning.

The rise of AI chatbots has also brought social concerns. The Federal Trade Commission has initiated inquiries into potential risks associated with AI chatbots, highlighting the ongoing challenges that accompany AI advancements.