Leaked Microsoft Docs Show Scout AI Assistant Designed to Be 'Addictive'

Kotaku / 404 Media / Hacker News·high signal

404 Media reporting surfaced internal Microsoft material indicating the company wants users 'addicted' to Scout, its new always-on AI personal assistant for Microsoft 365 launched at Build 2026. The story generated multiple HN submissions, and a follow-up reported Satya Nadella claimed he was 'not sure' who authored the addictive-design language. The episode crystallizes growing scrutiny of engagement-optimized AI assistants.