Seattle, Washington – Microsoft unveiled a range of new AI features during its Build conference, showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence technology. The tech giant’s announcements come amidst a surge in AI investments across Silicon Valley, with competitors like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple racing to innovate in this rapidly evolving field.
One of Microsoft’s biggest reveals was the integration of OpenAI’s GPT-4o into its Azure AI Studio. This multimodal model, capable of processing text, audio, and video inputs, offers a versatile tool for developers and users alike. However, the model generated controversy when actress Scarlett Johansson raised concerns about the voice used in OpenAI’s chatbot feature.
Following Google’s recent AI product launches, Microsoft also introduced its own lineup of AI solutions, including the Phi-3 series of small language models. These models, designed for offline use on devices, expand the accessibility of AI technology to a wider range of environments. Phi-3-vision, in particular, allows users to input images and text to receive outputs in textual format, enabling new forms of interaction with AI systems.
Microsoft’s advancements extend beyond AI models to include improvements in software and developer tools. The company announced the preview of Copilot in Azure, empowering users to create AI-powered programs that respond to various inputs. Microsoft 365 also received upgrades, such as Team Copilot, which assists with task management and communication within the platform.
In a bid to enhance its cloud capabilities, Microsoft revealed plans to preview Azure virtual machines running on its new Arm-based Cobalt 100 CPUs. These high-performance chips offer a significant improvement over previous systems, with Microsoft reporting a 40% boost in performance. Additionally, the company will offer AMD’s MI300X chip for developers interested in training and deploying AI applications.
By leveraging partnerships with organizations like OpenAI, Microsoft has solidified its position as a leader in the AI space. The company’s strategic investments have notably contributed to the growth of its cloud business, with AI products playing a significant role in driving revenue gains for Azure and other cloud services.
Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and expansion in the AI sector underscores the competitive landscape of tech giants vying for dominance in this critical industry. With new advancements and partnerships on the horizon, Microsoft continues to chart a course towards shaping the future of artificial intelligence technology.