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Microsoft Cuts Another AI Character: Copilot Yellow Monster Mico Retires, Moves to Learning Platform

Microsoft has cut another AI character. This time it's Mico, the yellow monster that makes expressions in Copilot's voice mode. According to Microsoft's support page, Mico will no longer appear in the chat interface but will be transferred to the Learn Live learning platform, giving this virtual character 'more content to respond to'. This news was first reported by GeekWire.

Mico was unveiled in Copilot's voice mode last October, less than a year ago. At that time, Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, treated it as an experiment to give the chatbot a 'sense of identity'. This little guy would make various expressions and animations in real-time based on user conversations. Now, it's leaving too, joining the ranks of virtual assistants Microsoft has cut over the years - from the paperclip Clippy, to the voice assistant Cortana, to the search dog Rover, none have been spared.

'Learning' integration is imminent

Microsoft wrote on the support page: 'Mico helped us understand warmth, expressiveness, and how people talk to AI, and these experiences are shaping Copilot's future.' The company said it would 'gradually' remove Mico, and the real reason behind it is the plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps. This adjustment comes shortly after the AI department reorganization - Jacob Andrew took over Copilot, while Suleyman stepped back to focus on developing new AI models.

Although Mico was removed before being replaced, it is not without gains. In less than a year, it validated the value and boundaries of 'anthropomorphic expression' in voice interaction, and left a reference for Copilot's next form. When the merged new Copilot appears, users may face a more restrained but also more unified AI assistant.

Key points

  • Mico retires: Microsoft moves Mico, the yellow monster in Copilot's voice mode, to the Learn Live learning platform, no longer appearing in the chat interface.
  • Less than a year since release: Mico was launched last October, aiming to provide a 'sense of identity' for the chatbot.
  • Reason behind: Microsoft plans to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps, and Mico's removal is part of this integration.
  • History repeats: Mico becomes another virtual assistant abandoned by Microsoft after Clippy, Cortana, and Rover.
  • Value remains: Mico validated the value of anthropomorphic expression in voice interaction, providing a reference for Copilot's future development.