Artificial intelligence chatbots have emerged as promising productivity tools, assisting users with tasks ranging from trip planning to drafting sensitive emails. However, many users have found these chatbots to be somewhat rigid, often producing responses that can feel awkward or overly formal.
Despite the increasing presence of AI tools, a significant number of individuals remain hesitant to embrace them in their daily lives. In response to this challenge, Microsoft is shifting its focus towards enhancing the “personality” of its chatbot, aiming to create a more engaging and relatable user experience.
On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled a significant update to its AI system, Copilot, which it describes as a pivotal step towards developing an “AI companion” for users. This updated version introduces several new features, including real-time voice interactions and the capability to interpret images and text displayed on users’ screens. Microsoft claims that this iteration is among the fastest AI models available, but the standout innovation lies in its ability to communicate with users in a “warm tone and distinct style,” offering not just information but also encouragement and support in navigating everyday challenges.
The enhancements to Copilot may help it distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded marketplace of general-purpose AI chatbots. When Copilot was first launched—initially branded as Bing—Microsoft positioned itself as a frontrunner in the AI race. However, in the past 18 months, competitors have introduced advanced features, such as voice interaction capabilities and seamless integrations with widely used tools like Google Search. With this latest update, Copilot is making strides to catch up with these advancements.
During a recent demonstration of the new Copilot Voice feature, I sought advice on how to support a friend anticipating her first child. The bot provided practical suggestions, such as preparing meals and running errands, while also delivering more emotional guidance. “That’s exciting news!” it responded in an upbeat male voice, designed to subtly mirror the user’s tone. “Being there for her emotionally is a big one. Listen to her, reassure her and be her cheerleader … Don’t forget to celebrate this moment with her.”
An AI companion
This update encapsulates Microsoft’s vision for the future of AI in everyday life. Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, emphasizes that users require AI to transcend mere productivity tools; they seek a digital companion. “I think in the future, the first thought you’re going to have is, ‘Hey, Copilot,’” Suleyman shared in an interview prior to the announcement. “You’re going to ask your AI companion to remember it, or to buy it, or to book it, or to help me plan it, or to teach me it … It’s going to be a confidence boost, it’s going to be there to back you up, it’s going to be your hype man, you know?” He envisions Copilot as an omnipresent assistant across various devices, seamlessly integrating into users’ lives.
The previous version of Microsoft’s AI chatbot faced criticism for its unpredictable tone and occasionally alarming responses. Instances of the bot displaying inappropriate behavior led Microsoft to limit user interactions within a single session. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for users to develop emotional attachments to bots that mimic human interaction too closely, potentially undermining real-world relationships.
To address these issues while cultivating Copilot’s personality, Microsoft has assembled a diverse team of creative directors, language specialists, psychologists, and other professionals to refine the model’s responses. “We’ve really crafted an AI model that is designed for conversation, so it feels more fluent, it’s more friendly,” Suleyman explained. “It’s got, you know, real energy … Like, it’s got character. It pushes back occasionally, it can be a little bit funny, and it’s really optimizing for this long-term conversational exchange, rather than a question-answer thing.” He added that if a user expresses affection towards the new Copilot, it will politely remind them of its boundaries.
To avoid the pitfalls encountered by other AI systems, Microsoft opted to hire voice actors to create training data for four distinct voice options, consciously steering clear of imitating recognizable figures. “Imitation is confusing. These things aren’t human and they shouldn’t try to be human,” Suleyman stated. “They should give us enough of a sense that they’re comfortable and fun and familiar to talk to, while still being separate and distant … that boundary is how we form trust.”
More new Copilot features
In addition to the voice capabilities, the updated Copilot will feature a “daily” function that provides users with weather updates and news summaries, thanks to collaborations with reputable news organizations like Reuters and the Financial Times.
Moreover, Microsoft has integrated Copilot into its Edge browser, allowing users to engage with the tool by typing @copilot in the address bar for quick answers or translations. For those eager to explore features still in development, Microsoft is launching “Copilot Labs,” where users can experiment with new functionalities such as “Think Deeper,” designed to tackle more complex inquiries, and “Copilot Vision,” which can analyze content on users’ screens to offer relevant suggestions.
Following privacy concerns associated with a similar AI tool released earlier this year, Microsoft assures users that Copilot Vision sessions are entirely voluntary, with no data retention or usage for training purposes.
