AI Takes Center Stage at Microsoft Build 2023
Microsoft kicked off its 2023 Build event with a host of announcements showcasing the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its suite of services, apps, and operating systems. From Windows 11 updates to new AI plug-ins, Microsoft is clearly steering towards a future where AI is not just a feature, but an integral part of the user experience.
In a series of major strides in artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft has announced the integration of ChatGPT into Bing, launched advanced AI features for Azure, and unveiled the new AI personal assistant, Copilot, for Windows 11.
ChatGPT Meets Bing
Microsoft is enhancing its search engine Bing with the integration of ChatGPT, a state-of-the-art natural language generation model. This move promises more conversational and current responses from the search engine. Users can interact with Bing using voice or text input, ask follow-up questions, or seek clarifications, enhancing the search experience significantly.
New AI Capabilities for Azure
Microsoft has also amplified its cloud-based services and tools package, Azure AI, with the unveiling of new AI capabilities. Key among these are Azure Applied AI Services, pre-built AI solutions for common applications like document processing, content moderation, and anomaly detection. The newly-introduced Azure Machine Learning Managed Endpoints simplify deployment and management of machine learning models on a large scale. Further, Azure Arc-enabled Machine Learning allows users to run machine learning workloads across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Copilot Lands on Windows 11
Adding to the AI excitement, Microsoft announced Copilot, an AI personal assistant for Windows 11 users. Available within the taskbar, Copilot can be summoned either by clicking or by a voice command. The assistant is designed to handle various tasks, from summarizing, rewriting, and explaining text in apps, to adjusting computer settings. Copilot also leverages Bing Chat and ChatGPT plugins to provide additional functionality and information, enabling users to request tasks such as booking a flight or playing music.
Free Online Courses for Developers
Microsoft’s new learning platform, Courses for Developer Community, offers free online courses on AI, cloud, web development, and more. The courses, designed by experts and community leaders, come with quizzes, projects, and certificates. The platform includes live sessions with instructors and peers, along with additional resources and support, aiding developers of all levels in learning new skills and advancing their careers.
Copilot Integration in Microsoft Edge
365 Copilot has also found a home in Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s web browser. Within the browser’s sidebar, the tool uses the content of the website being viewed to assist users with tasks in Microsoft 365 apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, among others. This integration can help users draft emails based on web page information, populate spreadsheets with data from a chart or table on a website, or generate status updates based on social media chat threads. The integration will also support the new plugins for 365 Copilot.
These advancements underscore Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user experience and productivity through AI, while providing powerful tools to developers and businesses for creating intelligent applications and solutions.
