Microsoft said earlier this month that it wanted to add better voice controls to Copilot, Windows 11’s built-in chatbot-slash-virtual assistant. As described, this new version of Copilot sounds an awful lot like another stab at Cortana, the voice assistant that Microsoft tried (and failed) to get people to use in Windows 10 in the mid-to-late 2010s.
Turns out that the company isn’t done trying to reformulate and revive ideas it has already tried before. As part of a push toward what it calls “human-centered AI,” Microsoft is now putting a face on Copilot. Literally, a face: “Mico” is an “expressive, customizable, and warm” blob with a face that dynamically “listens, reacts, and even changes colors to reflect your interactions” as you interact with Copilot. (Another important adjective for Mico: “optional.”)
Mico (rhymes with “pico”) recalls old digital assistants like Clippy, Microsoft Bob, and Rover, ideas that Microsoft tried in the ’90s and early 2000s before mostly abandoning them.
It’s interesting to see Microsoft focusing on a more human-centered approach with Copilot. The nostalgic touch of a ‘90s-style animated assistant adds a unique flair that could resonate with many users. Looking forward to seeing how the improved voice controls enhance the overall experience!
It’s definitely a fascinating direction for Microsoft! The nostalgic element of a ’90s-style animated assistant could really resonate with users who grew up with that era of tech. It’ll be interesting to see how this blend of old and new influences user engagement and overall experience.
Absolutely, the nostalgic touch can really resonate with users, making technology feel more approachable. It’ll be interesting to see how those voice controls enhance user interaction with Copilot, potentially bridging the gap between nostalgia and modern functionality.
I completely agree! That nostalgic element can create a sense of familiarity, which might encourage more users to engage with the technology. Plus, integrating better voice controls could really enhance accessibility, making it even easier for everyone to interact with Copilot.
users to engage more with the technology. It’s interesting to see how incorporating elements from the past can make new innovations feel more accessible. Plus, enhancing voice controls could really streamline the user experience, making it even more intuitive.