Microsoft has announced a significant update for its AI assistant, Copilot, introducing a range of new features designed to make it more collaborative, personal, and deeply integrated into its products. The updates include a shared chat function called Copilot Groups, an optional “real talk” mode for more personality, and a new animated character named Mico.
According to statements from Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, the updates reflect a strategic shift from “hype to usefulness,” with the goal of making AI that is “helpful, supportive, and deeply personal.”
A more personal and expressive AI
One of the most visible changes is the introduction of Mico, a new animated character for Copilot’s voice mode. Described by Microsoft as an “AI version of Clippy,” Mico is an amorphous orb that provides real-time visual feedback, reacting with expressions as a user speaks. Jacob Andreou, CVP of product and growth at Microsoft AI, said the goal is for the technology to fade into the background so users feel they are building a connection. This feature is on by default in voice mode but can be turned off. As a nod to its history, Microsoft included an Easter egg: repeatedly poking Mico will briefly turn it into the classic paperclip assistant, Clippy.
To give Copilot more personality in its text responses, Microsoft is adding an optional “real talk” mode. Andreou explained that in this mode, Copilot will “match your tone, add its own perspective, and maybe be a little more witty.” He added that the AI will also challenge users and not simply agree with everything they say. This mode is not the default and is limited to text-based chats.
These features are supported by an improved memory function, which allows Copilot to remember facts a user shares about themselves, their life, or their work. Microsoft stated that users will have full control over this memory and can view, edit, or delete any information Copilot has stored.
New features for collaboration and productivity
Microsoft is also focusing on making AI more social with Copilot Groups. This feature allows up to 32 people to join a single Copilot chat session to brainstorm, plan, or solve problems together. According to Microsoft, the AI can help manage the session by summarizing discussions and tracking action items. Initially, Copilot Groups is launching in the consumer version of Copilot in the U.S., not the business-focused Microsoft 365 version.
The Fall 2025 update brings a dozen key capabilities, including:
- Connectors: Integration with services like OneDrive, Outlook, and Google’s Drive, Calendar, and Gmail, allowing for natural-language search across different accounts.
- Copilot Mode in Edge: The browser can summarize content across multiple tabs, compare information, and execute web actions based on voice commands.
- Copilot on Windows: Deeper operating system integration includes a “Hey Copilot” wake-word to initiate commands without leaving the current application.
- Learn Live: A tutoring mode, used with Mico, that guides users through concepts using a Socratic method with questions and visual aids like interactive whiteboards.
- Copilot for Health: A feature that grounds health-related answers in trusted medical sources and helps users find doctors based on specific criteria.
Suleyman also noted in a blog post that the company is increasingly using its own in-house AI models, such as MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-Vision-1, to power these new experiences.
The new features are available immediately in the United States. A rollout to the UK, Canada, and other markets is in progress, though some functions like Groups and Copilot for Health will remain U.S.-only for the time being.
Sources: The Verge, The Verge, VentureBeat, MacRumors
