Microsoft is giving Copilot AI faces you can chat with

Microsoft is experimenting with a new feature called "Portraits" for its Copilot AI assistant. The feature allows users to select from 40 stylized human avatars that respond with natural expressions during real-time voice conversations. This is Microsoft's attempt to make Copilot more approachable and enhance the user experience compared to text-based interactions. The Portraits feature is currently available in a limited capacity in the US, UK, and Canada, and is designed to address user feedback about wanting to "talk to a face" when using Copilot. The avatars are powered by Microsoft's VASA-1 technology, which enables the generation of natural facial expressions, head movements, and lip-sync from a single image. Microsoft is taking a cautious approach with the rollout of Portraits, likely due to concerns around harmful interactions with AI chatbots. The feature is restricted to users aged 18 or older, and includes daily and session-based time limits, as well as clear indicators that the user is interacting with AI technology. The Portraits experiment follows similar efforts by rival AI providers, such as the introduction of 3D avatars for Grok chatbot, including an anime-inspired AI girlfriend companion. Microsoft's approach, however, focuses on stylized human avatars rather than animated cartoon characters.