microsoft Copilot Gains Animated Faces in New Experiment
REDMOND, WA – January 26, 2024 - Microsoft is experimenting with a more human-like interaction for its AI assistant, Copilot, by adding the ability to chat with an animated face. The new “Portraits” feature, currently available in the US, UK, and Canada, offers 40 stylized human avatars designed to respond with natural expressions during voice conversations.
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman announced the feature on X, stating Portraits was developed after users expressed a desire “to feel more comfortable talking to a face when using voice.” Users can select a portrait and pair it with a voice, aiming for more natural verbal interactions than text-based chats provide.
This builds on Microsoft’s previous efforts to personalize Copilot, including the “Copilot Appearances” feature announced in July, but differs by utilizing human-based appearances rather than animated cartoon figures.
The technology behind portraits leverages VASA-1, an AI developed by Microsoft Research capable of generating real-time facial expressions, head movements, and lip-sync from a single image without requiring complex 3D modeling.
According to a statement on the Copilot blog, the portraits are “intentionally stylized and not photorealistic,” maintaining the “same trusted Copilot intelligence and safety features.” Access is currently limited to users aged 18 or older, with daily and session-based time limits and clear disclosures indicating interaction with AI.
