Microsoft is giving the consumer version of its Copilot Assistant real-time visual expressions to make conversations more engaging. The experimental feature is currently available with select users in the US, UK, and Canada, and it gives Copilot a blob-like appearance with animated cues when the assistant’s voice mode is enabled.

“With this experiment, we are bringing more non-verbal communication to Copilot, enhancing voice conversations with real-time visual expression. This early prototype allows you to chat, brainstorm, seek advice, or just mess around with Copilot, in a more engaging and expressive way,” the company explained on its Copilot Labs website (via The Verge).

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The blob-like design of this animated Copilot may well give you some awkward Clippy or Microsoft Bob vibes. But Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, previously warned us that the company wanted Copilot to become “your AI companion.” In April, the exec also said that it would soon be possible to personalize the appearance of the assistant. The video below, which was published in April, shows different possible designs for Copilot, with the Crash Bandicoot character from the self-titled series also making a brief appearance.

During his appearance on the Colin and Samir Show this week, Suleyman hinted at Copilot becoming a Sim-like character. “Copilot will certainly have a kind of permanent identity, a presence, and it will have a room that it lives in, and it will age,” the exec said. There are already various studies focusing on AI attachment and the impact of anthropomorphizing technology, and it’s not clear if Suleyman’s vision for AI assistants will resonate with consumers.

At the moment, Copilot Appearance isn’t available for the enterprise version of the assistant, which is probably good news for people who don’t want unnecessary distractions.