Microsoft Copilot adds visual avatar with real-time expressions

Microsoft has introduced an experimental feature called Copilot Appearance, which gives its Copilot AI assistant a visual avatar capable of real-time expressions and gestures. This new feature brings non-verbal communication to Copilot, enhancing voice interactions with an animated avatar that smiles, nods, and displays a range of emotional cues, making the experience more human-like and engaging.

Here is the Key Details on Copilot Appearance:

• What It Is: Copilot Appearance is a dynamic, blob-shaped avatar that reacts visually to conversations. It shows real-time facial and body expressions, such as smiling, nodding, or showing surprise, based on the context of your voice chat.

• How It Works: To use the feature, enter Voice Mode on the Copilot web interface by clicking the microphone icon, then go to Voice Settings and toggle “Copilot Appearance” on. Once enabled, Copilot will react to what you say with animations and expressions.

• Scope and Availability: The feature is currently in early experimental rollout, limited to select users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Microsoft has not announced a broader or global release yet, and the feature is only available through the browser version of Copilot—not on Windows, macOS, or mobile apps.

• Intended Purpose: Beyond basic utility, the avatar aims to make interactions warmer, less robotic, and more relatable through non-verbal cues. According to Microsoft’s AI chief Mustafa Suleyman, the goal is to give Copilot a persistent identity and sense of presence, with potential for further personalization in the future.

• Comparison and Context: Unlike previous Microsoft animated assistants (such as Clippy), Copilot’s avatar is designed to be less intrusive, more ambient, and focused on signaling understanding and personality rather than distracting animations.

• Current Limitations: Access is limited, the feature is still experimental, and it doesn’t add productivity features—it’s about improving user engagement and feedback is being closely monitored.

Copilot’s new visual avatar represents a significant step in making AI assistants more expressive and lifelike, but access is currently limited and it is not yet available on all platforms.