Microsoft Build 2025: Expect Major Copilot Upgrades and New Azure AI Chip

Microsoft's annual Build developer conference is set to take place next week, from May 19 to 22. This highly anticipated event will feature updates and announcements across a range of Microsoft's products and services, including significant developments in artificial intelligence (AI) integrations and advancements for Windows. Last year, Microsoft made several notable announcements at Build, such as integrating Copilot into Microsoft Teams, launching Copilot+ AI-powered PCs, and introducing Windows Volumetric Apps for Meta Quest headsets. These innovations showcased the company's commitment to enhancing user experiences with AI and cutting-edge technology. This year, the keynotes will be available for free online, providing developers and tech enthusiasts worldwide with access to the latest developments. There is strong speculation that Microsoft will continue to expand its AI initiatives by announcing deeper integrations of Copilot with various software offerings, catering to both consumers and enterprises. In November of last year, Microsoft increased the prices for several of its software products, including Windows 365, Office 365, and Microsoft 365, by 5%. To justify this price hike, the company might introduce new AI-driven features and capabilities at Build, emphasizing enhanced productivity and efficiency. One of the most anticipated updates revolves around Copilot, Microsoft's generative AI tool. Reports suggest that Copilot could undergo significant changes, potentially including the integration of alternative AI models from companies like xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek. This shift away from OpenAI technology could be a result of tension in Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI, although the specifics remain unclear. For Windows users, Copilot may gain "agentic" functionality, which would allow it to perform basic PC tasks autonomously. A well-known leaker, TestingCatalog, discovered references to an Action button within the Copilot client for Windows. When selected, this button could initiate everyday tasks, streamlining the user experience and further integrating AI into the operating system. Additionally, Microsoft is rumored to have developed a new family of models called MAI, which are reportedly on par with those from OpenAI. The company is considering making these models available through an API, a move that could open up new possibilities for developers and businesses looking to leverage advanced AI capabilities. Build might serve as the platform for unveiling these models, signaling a significant step forward in Microsoft’s AI strategy. Another potential highlight could be the announcement of a successor to the Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator, a custom AI chip designed for Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. Social media buzz suggests that a "Maia 2" could be revealed, with semiconductor manufacturer Marvell contracted to produce it. According to industry analyst Ray Wang, this new chip is expected to offer even greater performance and efficiency, solidifying Microsoft’s position in the competitive AI hardware market. Overall, the 2025 Build conference promises to be a pivotal event for Microsoft, showcasing advancements in AI, software integrations, and hardware innovations. Developers and tech professionals should stay tuned for these updates, which could significantly impact future product development and user experiences.