Microsoft Introduces New AI-Powered Features At Build Conference: What You Need To Know

Microsoft Corporation MSFT kicked off its annual Build developer conference on Tuesday. The three-day event, which started with a keynote from CEO Satya Nadella, is focused on providing developers with in-depth sessions on the latest tools and features for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. This year, significant emphasis is on new AI innovations and enhancements.

Here's a look at some of the biggest announcements from the conference.

AI And Multimodal Models: Phi-3-Vision

One of the standout announcements on Tuesday was the introduction of Phi-3-vision, a new iteration of Microsoft’s small language models, according to reports from The Verge. Unlike larger image-focused models like OpenAI's DALL-E, Phi-3-vision focuses on visual reasoning rather than image generation. It can interpret charts, answer questions about images and is available in preview, with other Phi-3 family models accessible via Azure's model library.

Copilot Plus PCs And Prism Emulation

Microsoft made waves in the PC industry with the unveiling of new Arm-powered “Copilot Plus PCs,” which include updated Surface Laptop and tablet models. These devices feature an emulation layer called Prism, ensuring compatibility with x86 apps on Windows, mirroring Apple’s successful transition to its M-series chips.

Copilot AI Agents: Automating Tasks

Microsoft is expanding the functionality of its Copilot AI agents, enabling them to perform automated tasks traditionally done by employees. This development represents a shift towards more proactive AI agents that can operate autonomously, enhancing productivity by handling repetitive tasks. The new capabilities are currently in preview for a select group of testers, with broader access planned for later this year.

Windows Copilot Runtime For Developers

Microsoft also highlighted Windows Copilot Runtime, which integrates over 40 AI models directly into Windows 11. This runtime provides a library of APIs for developers, facilitating the creation of AI-enhanced applications. Features like Studio Effects, Live Captions Translations and Recall with User Activity are part of the Windows Copilot Library, available to developers in June. This initiative aims to make Windows a leading platform for AI development, emphasizing ease of use and extensive integration options.

Advanced File Explorer Features

File Explorer in Windows is also getting a significant upgrade, with native support for version control through Git integration and new file compression capabilities. Users will be able to see changes and comments directly within File Explorer, streamlining project management and collaboration. Additionally, File Explorer will support 7-zip and TAR compression formats, offering more efficient file management solutions compared to the traditional ZIP format.

Check This Out: Microsoft Unveils 5 Game-Changing AI Tools At Build 2024 Conference

Looking Ahead: The announcements at Build 2024 reflect Microsoft’s strategic focus on AI, cloud computing and developer empowerment. By providing advanced tools and integrating AI capabilities into everyday applications and devices, Microsoft is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation. As developers begin to harness these new tools, there appears to be immense potential for groundbreaking applications and improved user experiences.

Market Reaction: Microsoft shares are seeing positive momentum following announcements out of the Build conference. This uptick reflects investor confidence in Microsoft’s innovative endeavors and strategic direction. With the company’s continued focus on cutting-edge technologies and developer-friendly solutions, Microsoft appears to be well-positioned for sustained growth in the dynamic tech landscape.

MSFT Price Action: Microsoft shares were up 0.94% at $429.34 at the time of writing, according to Benzinga Pro.