Microsoft hopes Mico succeeds where Clippy failed as tech companies warily imbue AI with personality

Microsoft launched Mico, a new animated AI character that gives personality to its Copilot assistant, hoping to succeed where the infamous Clippy failed decades ago. The blob-shaped character changes colors, expressions, and movements based on conversations, representing Microsoft's attempt to find middle ground between faceless AI and overly human-like chatbots. Unlike Clippy's persistence, Mico can be easily disabled and aims to be genuinely helpful rather than manipulative or overly engaging.