Microsoft gives Copilot visual appearance with real-time expressions and emotions

Several months ago, during its 50th anniversary event, Microsoft teased a visual upgrade for Copilot (then called "Copilot Avatar") that would give the chatbot a visual character with expressions, reactions, and emotions. Now, users in the US, UK, and Canada can try Copilot Appearance, "a new, visual way to chat."

Conversational mode has been available in Copilot for a while, but it lacked any visual cues or non-verbal communications. All users see on their screens is some abstract animation. With Copilot Appearance, Microsoft is improving voice conversations with real-time visual expressions.

Sadly, Copilot Appearance is not a Clippy 2.0. In its current form, it is an abstract blob with a face that can morph into different shapes, express emotions, nod in agreement, etc. The concept is similar to what xAI offers with Grok AI companions that cost $300 per month, but Microsoft's approach is much more toned down (and you cannot undress it). On the official Copilot Labs website, Microsoft describes Copilot Appearance as "an experiment to incorporate a more visual, engaging experience into Copilot."

What if you could see Copilot react and speak as you chat? With this experiment, we are bringing more non-verbal communication to Copilot, enhancing voice conversations with real-time visual expression. This early prototype allows you to chat, brainstorm, seek advice, or just mess around with Copilot, in a more engaging and expressive way.

Copilot Appearance is rolling out to a limited set of users in just three countries as Microsoft takes a cautious approach to a more personified AI. If you have a lucky ticket, you can try Copilot Appearance by launching Voice Mode (click the microphone button in the composer) and toggling the feature in Voice Mode settings.

Microsoft says that the initial release is experimental, and it is working on refining the experience.

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Posted Saturday 26 July 2025 at 4:37 am AEST (my time).

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