Microsoft brings a playful new face to Copilot with Mico, a shape-shifting animated orb that appears when users speak to the assistant. Fans of the 30-year-old long discontinued Clippy assistant might recognize the spirit, but Microsoft says Mico is meant to be less intrusive and more responsive, reacting to conversations instead of interrupting them. The rollout begins in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and for a bit of nostalgia there is an Easter egg. Tapping Mico repeatedly briefly transforms it into the classic paperclip. Mico is tied to Copilot's new memory features, which let the assistant remember user preferences and past conversations to provide more personalized responses.

Microsoft also introduced Learn Live, a teaching mode that turns Mico into an interactive tutor that walks users through problems step by step with whiteboards and visual aids. The company frames Mico as a persistent companion rather than a tool you summon only occasionally, aiming to give Copilot a consistent identity and presence. The update includes practical improvements beyond the avatar. Copilot can now support group conversations with up to 32 participants, with tools for breaking up tasks and voting on decisions. A feature called Real Talk lets Copilot push back when users make incorrect assumptions, rather than simply agreeing, and Copilot Health draws on reputable sources to answer medical questions and suggest doctors. These changes are part of the Copilot Fall Release, which starts in the United States before expanding to other regions in the coming weeks.