Microsoft just gave its Copilot AI assistant something it's never had before - a human face. The company's new "Portraits" experiment launched today in the US, UK, and Canada, offering 40 stylized human avatars that respond with natural expressions during voice conversations. It's Microsoft's boldest move yet to make AI feel less like talking to a machine and more like chatting with an actual person.
Microsoft just threw down the gauntlet in the conversational AI race. The company's experimental "Portraits" feature for Copilot went live today, giving users 40 stylized human avatars that respond with natural facial expressions during voice chats. It's not just another AI update - it's Microsoft's answer to the growing demand for more human-like digital interactions.
The timing couldn't be more strategic. "This experiment leverages VASA-1, an advanced AI technology developed by Microsoft Research to create real-time, visual AI conversations," the company announced on Discord. The innovation generates natural facial expressions, head movements, and lip-sync from just a single image without complex 3D modeling.
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman revealed the feature came directly from user feedback. "They'd feel more comfortable talking to a face when using voice," he said on X, highlighting how the company is prioritizing user psychology over pure functionality.
This marks a significant evolution from Microsoft's earlier "Copilot Appearances" launched in July, which featured cartoon-like avatars. The shift to human appearances signals Microsoft's confidence in crossing the uncanny valley that has plagued digital avatars for decades.
But Microsoft isn't operating in a vacuum. The Portraits launch follows X's introduction of 3D avatars for its Grok chatbot, including an anime-inspired AI girlfriend companion with an NSFW mode. The contrast in approaches is striking - where X pushes boundaries with provocative content, Microsoft emphasizes safety and restraint.
That caution reflects hard-learned industry lessons. Microsoft is taking a deliberately measured approach to the rollout, likely influenced by ongoing investigations into Character.AI over harmful interactions with minors. The company has restricted Portraits to users 18 and older, implemented daily session limits, and included clear AI interaction indicators.
