Microsoft Introduces Mico: The New AI Assistant Replacing Clippy and Cortana

Microsoft Introduces Mico: The New AI Assistant Replacing Clippy and Cortana

Microsoft is bringing a new generation of AI interaction to your PC with Mico, a friendly AI character inside Copilot’s voice mode. If you remember Clippy, the animated paperclip from Microsoft Word in the late 90s, or Cortana from Windows 10, then Mico will feel like a modern upgrade.

According to Microsoft, Mico is designed to feel more human, expressive, and helpful. The character responds in real time with facial expressions while you talk to it, making AI interaction feel more natural. Jacob Andreou, Corporate VP of Product and Growth at Microsoft AI, even joked that “Clippy walked so we could run.”

What can Mico do?

Mico is more than a talking animation—it uses AI to actually understand and assist you. Here’s what it offers:

• Real-time reactions: Mico smiles, listens, or reacts based on your tone.
  
• Smart memory: It remembers things you tell it, like your preferences or ongoing tasks.
  
• Voice-first experience: You can speak naturally to your PC and get answers instantly.
  
• Learning support: It comes with a Learn Live mode that teaches concepts step by step using a Socratic method. It even has visual whiteboards for better explanations great for students or language learners.
  

Available First in the U.S.

Mico will roll out first in the United States before expanding to other regions. Early users will find it turned on by default in Copilot’s voice mode, but you can disable it if you prefer a cleaner interface.

A New Identity for Microsoft AI

This new AI character is part of Microsoft’s plan to give Copilot a stronger identity and personality. Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, said Copilot will eventually have a “permanent identity” that evolves over time—even hinting it might one day “age” and live in a virtual room.

A Fun Throwback

Just like Clippy had Easter eggs, Mico has hidden interactions too. Microsoft confirmed that poking Mico repeatedly unlocks a surprise—a playful nod to Clippy fans.

Microsoft hopes Mico will change how people interact with computers—making it feel normal to talk to your PC. But will users embrace voice interaction this time? We’ll find out soon.

TechCity