Microsoft is rolling out two major updates to Copilot in January 2026. The company launched Real Talk globally, a feature that creates more human-like conversations with AI. Microsoft is also testing video generation capabilities on mobile devices. These updates aim to help Copilot compete better with ChatGPT and Google's Gemini.
Real Talk changes how users interact with Copilot. Instead of getting standard assistant responses, users now experience conversations that feel more natural and personal. The AI adapts its tone and depth based on what you're discussing. Microsoft is also testing a "Create a video" feature on Android that lets users generate short video clips with audio.
What Is Copilot Real Talk?
Real Talk is Microsoft's new conversation mode for Copilot. It makes AI interactions feel more like talking to a real person instead of a robotic assistant.
The feature uses two main settings to customize conversations. First is "Depth," which controls how detailed the responses are. You can choose compressed, standard, or expanded responses. Second is "Writing Style," which adjusts the tone from casual to formal.
When you start a Real Talk conversation, Copilot pulls information from your previous chats. It remembers your preferences and topics you've discussed before. This memory helps create more personalized responses.
| Feature | Description | User Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Depth Control | Compressed, Standard, or Expanded responses | Get answers at your preferred detail level |
| Writing Style | Casual to Formal tone options | Match the conversation to your mood |
| Memory Integration | References past conversations | More personalized, contextual responses |
| Thinking Process | Shows how AI reasons through questions | Transparency in AI decision-making |
| Adaptive Personality | Changes based on conversation type | More engaging, human-like dialogue |
Real Talk also shows you how Copilot thinks. You can peek inside the AI's reasoning process at any time. This transparency helps users understand why Copilot gives certain answers.
Microsoft describes Real Talk as "conversation with AI without the corporate costume." The AI pushes back when something doesn't make sense. It shares what interests it about a topic. It won't pretend every question is equally fascinating.
How Real Talk Works Behind the Scenes
Real Talk uses advanced reasoning to determine conversation style. When you send a message, Copilot first analyzes what kind of response you need.
The system evaluates your message for several factors. It checks the time of day, your conversation history, and the topic complexity. It then selects the appropriate depth and writing style before responding.
For example, if you wave at Copilot at 4:44 AM, it might choose a compressed depth with casual style. It recognizes this is probably a quick check-in, not a deep discussion.
The AI references your user profile continuously. It knows your interests, past questions, and preferred communication style. This context shapes every response to feel more personalized.
Real Talk goes beyond traditional chatbot behavior. Instead of just answering questions, it can offer alternative views. It might challenge your assumptions or suggest different angles to consider.
The AI Video Generation Feature
Microsoft is testing video creation capabilities in the Copilot mobile app. Users with access can generate up to eight seconds of video with audio.
The feature appears as a "Create a video" toggle in Copilot for Android. When enabled, users can describe the video they want, and the AI generates it. The technology behind this feature remains unclear. Microsoft hasn't confirmed whether it uses an in-house model or OpenAI's Sora.
Early reports suggest the video feature doesn't require a premium subscription. Users with basic Microsoft 365 accounts have access to the toggle. However, the feature is still rolling out gradually.
| Video Feature Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | 8 seconds |
| Audio Support | Yes, includes generated audio |
| Platform | Android (testing phase) |
| Subscription Required | No (available on basic plans) |
| AI Model | Unknown (possibly Sora or Microsoft proprietary) |
| Rollout Status | Gradual testing phase |
The video generation tool could help users create quick social media content. It might also assist with presentations, demonstrations, or visual explanations.
Why Microsoft Is Making These Changes
Copilot's market share remains low despite Microsoft's efforts. Web usage statistics show Copilot barely exceeds 1% market share. Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT dominate the AI assistant space.
Microsoft needs to differentiate Copilot from competitors. Real Talk addresses one major complaint: AI assistants feel robotic and impersonal. By making conversations more natural, Microsoft hopes to increase user engagement.
The video generation feature tackles another gap. ChatGPT and other platforms already offer image generation. Video creation represents the next step in generative AI capabilities.
These updates show Microsoft is listening to user feedback. People want AI that feels less corporate and more helpful. They want tools that create diverse content types, not just text.
How Real Talk Differs from Previous Copilot
Traditional Copilot operated like a standard AI assistant. It answered questions helpfully but maintained a consistent, formal tone. Every response felt similar regardless of context.
Real Talk breaks this pattern. The AI now adjusts its personality based on the situation. A late-night question gets a different tone than a morning work query.
Previous Copilot versions rarely challenged users. If you asked a question, it provided an answer without pushback. Real Talk can disagree or suggest you're approaching something wrong.
The thinking process visibility is also new. Users can now see how Copilot reaches its conclusions. This feature builds trust by showing the reasoning chain.
| Traditional Copilot | Real Talk Copilot |
|---|---|
| Consistent formal tone | Adaptive personality |
| No conversation memory | Remembers past chats |
| Always agrees | Challenges when needed |
| Hidden reasoning | Visible thinking process |
| Standard depth only | Adjustable response depth |
| Generic responses | Personalized answers |
How to Use Real Talk on Copilot
Accessing Real Talk is straightforward. The feature rolled out globally in January 2026. You don't need a premium subscription to use it.
Step 1: Open Copilot on your device (web, mobile, or desktop).
Step 2: Look for the Real Talk toggle or mode selection. This appears in the conversation settings.
Step 3: Enable Real Talk mode to start a new conversation.
Step 4: The AI will analyze your message and select appropriate depth and style.
Step 5: You can adjust these settings manually if you prefer different options.
Step 6: Continue your conversation naturally. Copilot will adapt as the discussion evolves.
The system works best when you engage naturally. Don't try to game the AI or use overly formal language. Just chat like you would with a knowledgeable friend.
Real Talk learns from each interaction. The more you use it, the better it understands your preferences. Over time, conversations should feel increasingly personalized.
Best Practices for Real Talk Conversations
Get the most from Real Talk by following these tips:
Be conversational. Real Talk responds better to natural language than formal queries. Write like you're texting a friend, not submitting a business report.
Provide context. Since Real Talk remembers past conversations, reference previous discussions. This helps the AI give more relevant answers.
Experiment with settings. Try different depth and style combinations. See which settings work best for different tasks.
Use it regularly. Consistent use builds better personalization. The AI learns your patterns and preferences over time.
Challenge the AI. Don't just accept every answer. Push back when something seems off. Real Talk is designed to handle disagreement.
Check the thinking process. When you get an unexpected answer, look at how Copilot reasoned it out. This helps you understand the AI's logic.
What the Video Feature Means for Users
AI video generation opens new possibilities for content creators. Instead of filming or using complex editing software, you can describe what you need.
Small business owners could create quick product demonstrations. Teachers might generate educational clips for online lessons. Social media managers could produce engaging content faster.
The eight-second limit keeps videos concise. This matches modern attention spans and platform requirements. Short-form video dominates platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
However, eight seconds also limits complexity. You can't create detailed tutorials or long explanations. The feature works best for simple concepts, quick demos, or eye-catching clips.
Common Questions About These Updates
Does Real Talk work in all languages? Microsoft hasn't specified language support details. The global rollout suggests major languages are supported, but confirmation is pending.
Can I disable Real Talk if I prefer standard Copilot? Yes, you can toggle between modes. Real Talk is optional, not mandatory.
Will video generation cost extra? Early testing shows it's available on basic plans. Final pricing remains unconfirmed.
How accurate are the generated videos? User testing is ongoing. Quality likely varies based on prompt complexity and subject matter.
Can I use generated videos commercially? Microsoft hasn't released usage rights information yet. Check terms of service before commercial use.
The Competitive Landscape
Google's Gemini offers multimodal capabilities and deep integration with Google services. ChatGPT provides extensive plugin support and advanced reasoning. Both platforms have larger user bases than Copilot.
Microsoft's strategy focuses on differentiation through personality and integration. Real Talk makes interactions more engaging than standard chatbots. Deep Windows and Office integration gives Copilot unique advantages.
The video generation feature helps close the content creation gap. While competitors offer image generation, video represents a technological leap. If Microsoft executes well, this could become a key differentiator.
However, market share growth won't happen overnight. Users are loyal to their preferred AI platforms. Microsoft needs consistent innovation to attract switchers.
What Experts Are Saying
Tech analysts note that Real Talk addresses a real user pain point. Many people find AI assistants too formal and robotic. Making conversations more natural could improve engagement.
The video generation feature receives mixed reactions. Some experts praise Microsoft's innovation. Others question whether eight-second clips provide enough value. The success depends on execution quality and use cases.
Industry observers point out Copilot's integration advantages. Microsoft's ecosystem includes billions of Windows users and Office subscribers. If the company can convert even a small percentage, market share could grow significantly.
Critics worry about the gradual rollout strategy. By the time features reach all users, competitors may have launched similar capabilities. Speed to market matters in the fast-moving AI space.
Privacy and Data Considerations
Real Talk's memory feature raises privacy questions. The AI stores information from past conversations to personalize responses. Users should understand what data Microsoft retains.
Microsoft hasn't released detailed privacy documentation for Real Talk yet. Standard Copilot privacy policies likely apply. Users can typically delete conversation history through account settings.
Video generation also involves data considerations. When you create videos, Microsoft's systems process your prompts and generate content. Understanding how this data is used and stored matters for privacy-conscious users.
Always review privacy settings when using new AI features. Check what data the service collects and how long it's retained. Opt out of features you're uncomfortable with.
Future Updates and Improvements
Microsoft will likely expand Real Talk capabilities based on user feedback. Potential improvements include more personality options, deeper customization, and enhanced memory features.
The video generation feature could evolve significantly. Longer video lengths, higher quality output, and more control options seem probable. Microsoft might also add editing capabilities or style templates.
Integration with other Microsoft services makes sense. Imagine generating videos directly in PowerPoint or Teams. Real Talk conversations could integrate with Outlook or OneNote for seamless workflow.
Microsoft's AI development roadmap remains active. Expect regular updates and new features as the company competes with Google and OpenAI. The AI assistant space moves quickly, requiring constant innovation.
Should You Try These Features?
If you already use Copilot, exploring Real Talk makes sense. The feature is free and optional. You might find conversations more enjoyable and useful with the personalized approach.
Content creators should watch the video generation feature closely. Even with current limitations, it could streamline certain workflows. As the technology improves, it may become essential for quick content production.
For users new to AI assistants, these updates make Copilot more approachable. The natural conversation style reduces intimidation factor. You can interact more casually without worrying about perfect phrasing.
However, if you're satisfied with ChatGPT or Gemini, switching requires compelling reasons. Real Talk is interesting but may not overcome established habits and preferences. Evaluate based on your specific needs and workflow.
Conclusion
Microsoft's Real Talk and video generation features represent significant Copilot improvements. Real Talk makes AI conversations feel more natural and personalized. The video generation capability adds valuable content creation tools.
These updates show Microsoft is committed to competing in the AI assistant market. While Copilot trails ChatGPT and Gemini in market share, consistent innovation could narrow the gap. The company's ecosystem integration provides advantages competitors can't match.
Whether these features drive significant user growth remains uncertain. Success depends on execution quality, continued development, and effective marketing. The AI landscape changes rapidly, requiring constant adaptation.
Try Real Talk today if you have access to Copilot. Experience the more conversational AI approach. Watch for the video generation feature as it rolls out. These tools could change how you interact with AI assistants and create content.
The future of AI assistants involves more than answering questions. Natural conversations, personalized responses, and diverse content creation define the next generation. Microsoft is making moves to ensure Copilot stays competitive in this evolving space.