Microsoft Build 2024: AI-Powered Team Copilot Unveiled, First In-House Processor Azure Cobalt 100 Breaks Cover

Microsoft has announced the introduction of Team Copilot, a new AI-driven assistant designed to boost group collaboration. This announcement is part of Microsoft's ongoing effort to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into its suite of products. Team Copilot, unveiled on Tuesday at Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference, will serve as a comprehensive meeting assistant.

What Can Team Copliot Do?

Team Copliot will be capable of taking detailed notes, summarising discussions, and managing deadlines. The tool is expected to be made available to corporate clients later this year.

Microsoft has been at the forefront of generative AI, a field that includes the generation and summarisation of text and images. This follows a significant $13 billion investment in OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. Microsoft has swiftly incorporated similar AI technologies into its productivity applications, extending the Copilot brand across various tools, including a coding assistant and a search engine integrated into Windows.

Microsoft's First CPU

Microsoft also shared updates on its processor development projects. The company introduced the Azure Cobalt 100, its first internally developed central processing unit (CPU), now available for preview to Azure cloud-computing service users.

Although these CPUs are not the high-end chips typically associated with AI tasks, the launch of Cobalt marks a crucial milestone in Microsoft's strategy to compete with leading cloud service providers. Companies like Amazon.com Inc. and Google, which also develop their own chips, aim to reduce dependency on traditional chip manufacturers such as Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., thereby lowering costs and offering specialised solutions.

The interest in proprietary chips is growing among cloud service providers, including Microsoft, for their potential to perform advanced tasks like AI training. Microsoft’s Maia 100, an AI accelerator, is currently in testing at one of the company's data centres. However, it is not yet available to Azure customers, as revealed by CEO Satya Nadella in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Monday.

These developments underscore Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI technology and enhancing its cloud computing capabilities, aiming to solidify its position in a competitive market.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)