Discover the Latest Innovations and Exciting Developments from Microsoft Build
If there are two letters that have shaped the technology landscape this year, they are undoubtedly “A” and “I.”
Yes, we’re talking about artificial intelligence (AI), the driving force behind major advancements in how we work, communicate, and collaborate. And at this year’s Microsoft Build, the annual flagship event for developers, the spotlight is firmly on the transformative power of AI From the very beginning of the year, Microsoft set the stage for groundbreaking developments.
In January, they announced an extended partnership with OpenAI, a collaboration aimed at accelerating Artificial Intelligence breakthroughs and ensuring the widespread benefits of this technology. And just a month later, Microsoft dropped another bombshell by introducing an all-new, AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, aimed at revolutionizing the search experience.
Since then, the pace of innovation has been nothing short of astonishing. Here are some key milestones and exciting announcements that have come out of Microsoft Build 2023:
Azure OpenAI Service Expands with ChatGPT and GPT-4 Support
Microsoft has made the power of artificial intelligence more accessible than ever before through the greater availability of Azure OpenAI Service. Developers can now leverage the capabilities of ChatGPT and OpenAI’s cutting-edge GPT-4 model to create intelligent applications and systems that interact seamlessly with users.
Copilots: Your AI-Powered Sidekicks
One of the most intriguing concepts discussed at Microsoft Build is the idea of copilots. These applications utilize modern Artificial Intelligence and large language models like GPT-4 to assist users with complex tasks. GitHub Copilot, an AI pair programmer introduced by Microsoft two years ago, has paved the way for copilots across various sectors of the company’s core businesses.
Copilots represent a paradigm shift in AI-powered software, fundamentally changing the way software is built. They contribute to every aspect, from imagining new product scenarios to user experience, architecture, services, safety, and security.
Plugins: Enriching the AI Experience
Enter plugins, the vital connection between copilots and the rest of the digital world. Plugins augment the capabilities of Artificially Intelligent systems, enabling them to interact with application programming interfaces (APIs) from other software and services, retrieve real-time information, incorporate business data, perform new computations, and take actions on behalf of the user.
Microsoft has adopted an open plugin standard introduced by OpenAI for ChatGPT, ensuring interoperability across the breadth of Microsoft’s copilot offerings. This allows developers to build plugins that seamlessly work across consumer and business surfaces, including ChatGPT, Bing, Dynamics 365 Copilot, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Bing Gets Smarter with Plugins and Enhanced Search
As part of the shared plugin platform, Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, has significantly expanded its support for plugins. Alongside previously announced plugins for OpenTable and Wolfram Alpha, Bing now includes plugins for Expedia, Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin, Zillow, and many others, creating a more versatile and dynamic search experience.
Moreover, Bing is now the default search engine for ChatGPT, offering a world-class search experience within the chat interface itself. ChatGPT Plus subscribers already have access to this new feature, and it will soon be available for free users through a simple plugin activation.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Embraces Plugins and Data Integration
Exciting news for developers: Microsoft 365 Copilot, an intelligent assistant for Microsoft 365 users, is now open for integration with plugins. This means developers can extend the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot by leveraging existing plugins, including ChatGPT, Bing, Teams message extensions, and Power Platform connectors.
The integration of plugins allows for a seamless flow of information and interaction, enhancing the productivity and efficiency of Microsoft 365 Copilot. More than 50 plugins from partners like Atlassian, Adobe, ServiceNow, Thomson Reuters, Moveworks, and Mural will be available through an early access program, with thousands more to come when Microsoft 365 Copilot reaches general availability.
Building Responsibly with Azure AI Content Safety
As part of their commitment to responsible AI, Microsoft introduces Azure AI Content Safety, a service aimed at creating safer online environments and communities. Azure AI Content Safety will be integrated across Microsoft products, including Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Machine Learning, providing businesses with the tools they need to implement responsible AI practices.
This year’s Microsoft Build also brings updates to Azure Machine Learning, expanding the Responsible Artificial Intelligence dashboard support for text and image data. Users can now evaluate large models built with unstructured data, ensuring fairness and model accuracy before deployment.
In addition, Microsoft unveils media provenance capabilities for Microsoft Designer and Bing Image Creator, enabling users to verify whether images or videos were generated by AI These advancements enhance transparency and help combat the spread of manipulated or misleading visual content.
Windows 11: The Future of AI-Powered Computing?
Windows 11 is set to become the hub for Artificial Intelligence assistance with the introduction of Windows Copilot. By centralizing AI assistance and integrating Bing Chat and an array of plugins, Windows Copilot streamlines tasks, empowers users to focus on their ideas and projects, and promotes collaboration without the hassle of juggling multiple applications.
This groundbreaking integration builds on the AI-powered Bing search experience introduced earlier and will be available in preview starting in June. With Windows Copilot, Windows 11 users can unlock the full potential of Artificial Intelligence in their everyday computing experience.
The Microsoft Build Experience
Microsoft Build 2023 promises to be an extraordinary event, attracting approximately 200,000 registered attendees. With over 350 sessions and more than 125 hours of content packed into two days, developers can expect a wealth of insights, new products, and exciting features. Over 50 new products and updates will be announced, keeping the industry at the forefront of innovation.
In conclusion, Microsoft Build 2023 is the culmination of Microsoft’s dedication to advancing the power of Artificial Intelligence in technology. From copilots and plugins to enhanced search capabilities and responsible AI practices, Microsoft is revolutionizing the way we work, interact, and create. With each innovation, they are building a future where Artificial Intelligence is integrated seamlessly into our lives, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for developers and users alike.
Note: The views and opinions expressed by the author, or any people mentioned in this article, are for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice.
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