Microsoft appears to be laying the groundwork for a new Copilot feature called Live Portraits, currently in an experimental phase and not yet accessible to the public. The feature introduces a new interface element dedicated to “portraits,” offering users a selection of visual styles for male and female figures. At this stage, selecting a portrait directs users to a placeholder voice conversation view, reinforcing that the implementation is still at the concept or prototyping level.
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While details remain scarce, this may signal Microsoft’s shift toward a more visual and personalized assistant experience, possibly offering users the ability to customize or generate their own avatars. These avatars could serve as the visual interface for Copilot in voice-based interactions, allowing for a more human-like exchange. Internal references to “3D generations” suggest that Microsoft might be building out real-time, visually expressive characters—akin to animated assistants powered by generative media. This would align with broader trends in the AI space where synthetic video avatars and expressive voice agents are becoming more common.
The existence of Live Portraits also casts doubt on whether the previously hinted Copilot Characters will launch as a standalone feature. It’s plausible that Microsoft may merge both directions—offering a spectrum of assistants from fixed character personas to customizable 3D portraits. Compared to characters, which might skew toward entertainment or light personalization, Live Portraits seem aimed at adult users looking for professional or assistant-like avatars.
Technically, these features would surface in the Copilot web interface, particularly where voice interactions take place. They’re being tested alongside OneDrive integration and ongoing updates to the Copilot Pages and Memories, two other features aimed at turning Copilot into more than just a chat window.
If this progresses, it could serve Microsoft’s long-term Copilot vision, building a more embodied assistant experience that spans work and life scenarios. But for now, these features remain in stealth, with no release timeline disclosed.
