Microsoft is gearing up to host its annual Build developer conference next week, spanning from May 19th to 22nd. The event is expected to feature significant announcements regarding new AI integrations, services, and applications, including updates specifically tailored for Windows.
Last year's Build conference saw Microsoft unveiling the integration of Copilot into Microsoft Teams, the launch of AI-powered Copilot+ PCs, and Windows volumetric apps for Meta Quest headsets, among other innovations.
This year’s keynote speeches will be streamed online free of charge. Anticipation is high that Microsoft will announce deeper integrations of its generative AI, Copilot, with numerous software products across both consumer and enterprise sectors.
In November last year, Microsoft increased prices for many of its software offerings, such as Windows 365, Office 365, and Microsoft 365 by 5%. To justify these price hikes, the company might unveil new AI-driven features and capabilities.
Copilot could take center stage at this year’s Build conference, with major changes on the horizon. Reports suggest Microsoft is testing alternative AI models from xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek as possible replacements for OpenAI technology within Copilot due to growing tensions in their partnership.
On the Windows front, Copilot may acquire “agent-like” abilities, enabling it to independently carry out basic PC tasks. A reference to an action button within the Windows Copilot client was discovered by well-known leaker TestingCatalog, which, when activated, could initiate certain “routine tasks.”
Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly developing a series of competitive models known as MAI, which are being considered for API availability. The Build conference might serve as the venue for Microsoft to reveal these models.
The company may also announce the successor to its Azure Maia 100 AI accelerator, a custom AI chip for Microsoft Azure cloud services. Rumors about “Maia 2” have surfaced on social media recently; semiconductor analyst Ray Wang notes that chipmaker Marvell has been tasked with manufacturing it.
