Microsoft is apparently poised to demonstrate some major changes to its commercial technology environment at next month’s Build 2025 conference. So stay tuned, it’s going to be a thrilling announcement! Notably, it’ll be featuring the follow-up to the Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator, a custom AI chip that powers Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. Industry insiders are all atwitter about the new chip, “Maia 2.” They argue that it will make Microsoft’s unhealthy dominance in the cutthroat, fast-moving AI sector even more entrenched.
The conference—set for May 12-14, 2025—will shine a spotlight on other major advancements within Microsoft’s software and service investments. In November 2023, the company increased prices for 27 of its most important products. They raised the prices of Windows 365, Office 365 and Microsoft 365 by 5%. This pricing change has generated robust debate and discussion. Now folks are questioning the value of these services and their place in Microsoft’s big picture strategy.
Last year at Build, Microsoft announced its own AI-powered Copilot integration — starting first with Microsoft Teams. This new and exciting trend improves both collaboration and productivity beyond organizational borders. Equally as important, the announcement of Copilot+ AI-driven PCs was a watershed moment in how we will use personal computing moving forward. Attendees will be the first to hear more about what Copilot can do, so don’t miss out on this year’s event!
Most significantly, Microsoft has been reported to be adding to Copilot’s powers “agentic” capabilities. If realized, this new advancement would make Copilot fully capable of independently executing simple PC tasks on Windows systems, without any human input. Since then, analysts have found evidence of an Action button in the Copilot client for Windows. This feature might make it easier for users to begin certain common, daily activities with immediacy.
The collaboration with chipmaker Marvell stands out as well. As per the semiconductor analyst Ray Wang, Marvell is already under contract to produce the next Maia 2 chip. This joint effort continues to emphasize Microsoft’s commitment to improving its hardware prowess. In addition, it works to improve cloud services performance across different types of applications.
Microsoft is doing some really cool things with AI. They’ll be building out last year’s Windows Volumetric Apps for Meta Quest headsets announcement into something broader. Beyond mixed reality this initiative is a telling indication of Microsoft’s broader trend to introduce immersive technologies into more conventional, everyday applications. It unlocks creative new possibilities for user interactions.
Kyle Wiggers, TechCrunch’s AI Editor—the right place, the right time The Creator Economy Microsoft has purposefully positioned itself with a strategic focus on integrating AI across its entire software ecosystem. Meanwhile, the tech giant is preparing for Build 2025. Industry experts and enthusiasts alike are particularly eager to see what game-changing innovations the company will bring to market!
Leave a Reply