Microsoft Copilot Unveils Mico, Expands AI Features

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot AI assistant with a new visual identity and expanded capabilities, aiming for a more personal and engaging user experience. The company has introduced Mico, an expressive AI character inspired by the classic Clippy, as the new face of Copilot. Mico, available in the U.S. as part of the Copilot Fall Release, can be turned off by users and features a 'Learn Live' mode that acts as a Socratic tutor. This update also includes 'Groups' for collaborative AI experiences, 'Imagine' for creative exploration, and long-term memory for Copilot to recall past interactions and integrate with productivity apps like Outlook and Gmail. Microsoft is also improving Edge browser's AI functions for summarizing and taking actions. Meanwhile, the broader AI landscape sees developments in AI safety and ethics, with China strengthening its regulations and Stanford Health Care developing a secure AI platform for electronic health records. Practical DevSecOps has certified over 1,000 AI security professionals, highlighting the growing need for expertise in protecting AI models. In contrast, a political campaign in New York faced criticism for using a racist AI-generated ad. RecordPoint has acquired Redactive to bolster its AI data security solutions, and Mexico's technology sector is actively embracing AI for productivity and decision-making. MIT's sAIpien program is working on auditable human-AI systems, and Wayne State University has launched an institute dedicated to AI and data science research.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft has introduced Mico, an AI companion inspired by Clippy, as the new visual representation for its Copilot AI assistant.
• Mico is designed to be expressive, learn from user interactions, and can function as a Socratic tutor through its 'Learn Live' mode.
• The Copilot Fall Release includes features like 'Groups' for collaboration, 'Imagine' for creativity, and long-term memory for personalized interactions.
• Microsoft is integrating Copilot with productivity apps like Outlook and Gmail and enhancing Edge browser's AI capabilities.
• China is strengthening its AI safety and ethics regulations through amendments to its Cybersecurity Law.
• Stanford Health Care has developed 'ChatEHR,' a secure Generative AI tool for its electronic health records system.
• Over 1,000 professionals have been certified in AI security through Practical DevSecOps' CAISP program.
• RecordPoint has acquired Redactive to enhance its AI data security and governance solutions.
• Mexico's technology sector is focusing on conscious AI adoption to boost productivity and decision-making.
• MIT's sAIpien program is developing auditable human-AI systems for transparency and accountability.

Microsoft's Mico AI brings back Clippy for Copilot

Microsoft has launched Mico, an AI character for its Copilot voice mode, reminiscent of the old Clippy assistant. Mico is designed to be expressive and learn from user feedback, with features like 'Learn Live' mode acting as a tutor. This new AI companion is part of Microsoft's effort to make Copilot more personal and engaging. Mico is initially available in the U.S. and can be turned off by users if preferred. Microsoft aims for Mico to deepen human connection and earn user trust.

Meet Mico, Microsoft's new AI assistant inspired by Clippy

Microsoft has introduced Mico, a new AI character for Copilot's voice mode, drawing inspiration from the classic Clippy assistant. Mico responds with real-time expressions and can be turned off by users. It is currently available in the U.S. and uses a new memory feature to recall learned information. A 'Learn Live' mode turns Mico into a Socratic tutor, guiding users through concepts. Microsoft aims to give Copilot a distinct identity with Mico.

Microsoft's Mico AI companion aims for helpfulness

Microsoft's new AI companion, Mico, is designed to be helpful and supportive without being overly agreeable. Mico, inspired by Clippy, is an optional visual presence for Copilot that listens and responds. It also features a 'Learn Live' mode where it acts as a Socratic tutor, guiding users through concepts with interactive tools. Microsoft emphasizes that Mico aims to foster growth and connection while respecting user interaction styles.

Microsoft's Copilot gets a new name and face

Microsoft is giving its AI assistant, Copilot, a new name and visual representation to make it more recognizable and approachable. This update aims to build user trust and encourage wider adoption of AI features across Microsoft products. While the new look is not a revival of Clippy, it signifies Microsoft's strategy to integrate AI more seamlessly into its ecosystem. The rebranding is part of an effort to give Copilot a clearer identity.

Microsoft's Copilot Fall Release features Mico AI

Microsoft has launched Mico, a new AI companion for its Copilot AI, as part of its Fall Release. Mico is described as a cute, color-changing blob that serves as the new face of Copilot. While optional, Mico aims to make conversations feel more natural and engaging. The release also introduces 'real talk' mode for more adaptive conversations. Mico is seen as an official successor to Clippy, bringing a visual element to the AI assistant.

Microsoft's Copilot Fall Release focuses on human-centered AI

Microsoft's Copilot Fall Release introduces new features designed to make AI more personal, useful, and human-centered. Key updates include 'Groups' for collaborative AI experiences, 'Imagine' for creative exploration, and 'Mico,' an expressive AI companion. Copilot also gains long-term memory and connectors for integrating productivity apps like Outlook and Gmail. The update emphasizes AI that supports human connection, creativity, and productivity, aiming to give users back time.

Microsoft enhances Copilot with collaboration and Google integration

Microsoft is upgrading its Copilot AI with new features, including collaboration tools and integration with Google services. The Copilot Fall Release introduces 'Groups' for up to 32 people to collaborate on projects and 'Mico,' an avatar designed to make conversations more natural. Copilot now features long-term memory for tracking thoughts and personalization options. The updates also aim to improve Edge browser's AI capabilities for summarizing and taking actions. These enhancements are rolling out in the U.S. with wider release planned.

Stanford builds secure AI platform for healthcare

Stanford Health Care has developed 'ChatEHR,' a secure Generative AI tool for its electronic health records system. The ChatEHR Platform connects AI models with real-time clinical data, addressing challenges like data privacy and workflow integration. It uses FHIR standards for data access and optimized processing for quick, accurate retrieval. The platform features an LLM router, real-time data access, a function server, and EHR integration to support AI applications in healthcare delivery.

China strengthens AI safety and ethics regulations

China's National People's Congress is amending its Cybersecurity Law to enhance regulation of AI safety and ethics. The proposed changes aim to address new technological challenges and illegal online activities. The amendments will include framework provisions for AI security and development, supporting research and key technologies. This move seeks to create a unified legal framework for AI governance, addressing issues like accountability in autonomous driving and labeling AI-generated content. The regulations are expected to improve data protection and personal information security.

Practical DevSecOps trains 1,000 AI security professionals

Practical DevSecOps has certified over 1,000 professionals through its Certified AI Security Professional (CAISP) program. This milestone addresses the growing need for experts skilled in protecting AI and machine learning models from evolving threats like prompt injection and data poisoning. The CAISP curriculum covers AI red teaming, LLM security, threat modeling, and compliance with frameworks like the EU AI Act. The certification emphasizes hands-on, performance-based assessments to ensure practical competence in defending AI systems.

Andrew Cuomo's campaign uses racist AI ad

New York City mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo has faced widespread condemnation for posting and deleting a racist AI-generated attack ad. The ad, shared on his official X account, depicted 'criminals for Zohran Mamdani,' a rival candidate. The video included harmful stereotypes and imagery, drawing sharp criticism from various public figures and organizations. This incident follows a trend of Cuomo's campaign using AI-generated videos for political messaging.

RecordPoint acquires Redactive to enhance AI data security

RecordPoint has acquired Redactive, an Australian AI company specializing in sensitive data discovery and classification. This acquisition strengthens RecordPoint's data security and governance solutions for regulated industries. Redactive's AI tool will be integrated to support RecordPoint's clients, including major financial institutions and regulatory bodies, in managing data securely as they adopt AI. The deal aims to bolster AI capabilities and expand RecordPoint's market reach in Asia and Europe.

AI transforms Mexico's technology sector

Artificial intelligence is significantly reshaping Mexico's technology ecosystem, according to experts at XChange LATAM 2025. Ulises Aguilar of M'Ready and Rodrigo Rojas of Cybernet AI highlighted the need for conscious AI adoption, focusing on purpose and speed. They emphasized that success depends on integrating technology with digital awareness and preparing data and teams effectively. The challenge lies in shifting company culture, not just infrastructure, to leverage AI for productivity and better decision-making.

MIT's sAIpien program focuses on auditable AI systems

The MIT Media Lab's Scalable AI Program for the Intelligent Evolution of Networks (sAIpien) is developing auditable human-AI systems. This initiative focuses on creating interfaces that allow leadership to inspect, adapt, and explain AI-driven decisions. sAIpien links user experience standards with governance, aiming for board-level accountability. The program uses digital twins and prototypes to test AI systems rigorously, ensuring transparency and measurable outcomes in areas like healthcare and city management.

Wayne State University launches AI and data science institute

Wayne State University has established the Institute for AI and Data Science (AIDAS) to advance research and innovation in artificial intelligence. The institute aims to foster cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement. AIDAS will also focus on workforce development in AI and data science. This initiative positions Wayne State among Michigan's top research universities in the field of AI studies.

Sources

• Microsoft's Mico is a 'Clippy' for the AI era
• Meet Mico, Microsoft’s AI version of Clippy
• Mico is Microsoft's Clippy for the AI age
• Microsoft’s Copilot gets a name, face, and more in latest update. No, it’s not Clippy.
• Microsoft Launches Mico, an Official Clippy Successor, in Its Copilot AI Fall Release
• Human-centered AI  
• Microsoft introduces new Copilot features such as collaboration, Google integration
• How To Build a Safe, Secure Medical AI Platform
• China moves to strengthen regulation of AI safety and ethics
• Practical DevSecOps certifies 1,000 AI security professionals
• Cuomo condemned over racist AI ad depicting ‘criminals for Zohran Mamdani’
• RecordPoint acquires Redactive to boost AI data security focus
• Transforming To Win: How Artificial Intelligence Became Central To Mexico’s Technology Ecosystem
• MIT’s SAIpien Pushes For AI That Boards Can Actually Audit
• Wayne State creates university institute for AI and data science