Microsoft's Copilot Gets Animated Faces with 'Portraits'
AI
Microsoft
Copilot
AI Avatars
Voice Conversations
Artificial Intelligence
Tech
7
Facial Familiarity
Media Hype
8/10
Real Impact
7/10
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AI Analysis:
While the initial concept is gaining traction, the real-world impact hinges on the successful mitigation of potential risks and the ability to create genuinely engaging and trustworthy AI personas - a challenging feat given the competitive landscape.
Article Summary
Microsoft is taking a novel approach to making its Copilot AI assistant more approachable with the launch of ‘Portraits,’ an experimental feature within Copilot Labs. This feature provides users with 40 stylized human avatars capable of responding with natural expressions during voice conversations, driven by Microsoft’s VASA-1 technology. Developed in response to user feedback suggesting a preference for interacting with a face during voice conversations, Portraits utilizes a single image to generate real-time visual AI conversations, eliminating the need for complex 3D modeling. This represents Microsoft’s latest attempt to evolve Copilot into a more engaging and relatable character, following a previous iteration called ‘Copilot Appearances.’ While rival AI provider X has already introduced 3D avatars with NSFW modes, Microsoft is adopting a cautiously developed approach with Portraits, focusing on safety and user experience. The feature is currently limited to a ‘limited set of users’ aged 18 or older, with time limits and clear indicators signifying interactions with AI technology.Key Points
- Microsoft is introducing 'Copilot Portraits,' an experimental feature that allows users to chat with AI avatars.
- The feature leverages Microsoft’s VASA-1 technology to generate realistic facial expressions and lip-sync during voice conversations.
- Microsoft is taking a cautious approach to the rollout, prioritizing user safety and implementing time limits and clear AI indicators.