Microsoft Corp's (NASDAQ: MSFT) annual Build conference, held from May 21-23 in Seattle and online, has unveiled a suite of groundbreaking AI tools and enhancements.
The event, which attracted developers from around the globe, focused heavily on artificial intelligence, with significant updates to Microsoft's AI offerings.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella outlined the company's longstanding aspirations at Build 2024, stating, "Can computers understand us instead of us having to understand computers?" and "Can computers help us reason, plan, and act more effectively on all that information?" Nadella positioned AI as the answer to these dreams.
Microsoft's CTO and EVP of AI, Kevin Scott, likened the current AI advancements to past technological revolutions, stating, "We're riding an extraordinary platform wave," similar to the PC evolution and broadband internet.
He highlighted Microsoft's Copilot stack as a tool that has enabled rapid development of AI products. Scott emphasized, "We are nowhere near... how powerful we can make AI models."
Here are five must-see AI tools and enhancements announced at the conference.
1. Phi-3-Vision: Microsoft's Multimodal Model
Microsoft has unveiled Phi-3-vision, a small language model capable of understanding images and text, ideal for mobile devices.
The model, now in preview, boasts 4.2 billion parameters and excels in visual reasoning tasks like interpreting charts and answering image-related questions.
2. Copilot AI Agents for Businesses
Microsoft is revolutionizing how businesses operate with the introduction of AI-powered Copilot agents.
These virtual employees can automate tasks such as monitoring email inboxes and data entry, freeing up time for human workers to focus on more strategic activities. This shift from passive to active AI agents marks a significant advancement in the application of AI in the workplace, enabling more efficient and autonomous operations.
3. GPT-4o on Azure OpenAI
OpenAI's latest model, GPT-4o, is now available through Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service.
This multimodal model supports both input and output and can be integrated into applications for enhanced conversational AI capabilities. Developers can leverage GPT-4o to create more interactive and intelligent applications, pushing the boundaries of what conversational AI can achieve.
4. Windows Copilot Plus PCs
Microsoft has introduced Copilot Plus PCs, a new line of devices powered by Arm-based processors and featuring advanced AI capabilities.
These PCs come with Windows Copilot Runtime, which includes over 40 AI models running on Windows 11. This runtime provides developers with a library of APIs and toolchains to build AI applications that leverage on-device models. The inclusion of an emulation layer called Prism ensures seamless compatibility with x86 apps, enhancing the overall user experience.
5. Recall: The Personal Historian
Microsoft's innovative Recall feature is set to transform how users interact with their PCs.
Available on the new Copilot Plus PCs powered by Qualcomm's (NASDAQ: QCOM) Snapdragon X Elite chips, Recall can search and retrieve any information a user has seen or done on their PC. Acting like a personal historian, this tool ensures that users can effortlessly access past activities and data, significantly boosting productivity and information management.
Microsoft's Build 2024 conference has highlighted the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology.
From phi-3-vision and autonomous AI agents to advanced conversational models and innovative PC features, Microsoft is setting the stage for a new era of AI-powered tools that promise to enhance both personal and professional experiences.
As AI continues to evolve, these tools will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and its applications.