Microsoft sprinkles OpenAI everywhere to retain software partners
At Microsoft’s Build conference for software developers, the tech giant announced a range of products drawing on the technology of artificial intelligence startup OpenAI, with which it has a close relationship. Offering new Azure cloud tools for customised text summarisation and a forthcoming chatbot to help developers work with data, the company’s developers can build plugins inside ChatGPT, as well as Microsoft’s own products. One plugin demonstrated at the event showed the Windows chatbot connecting with Spotify via Teams, creating a company logo with Adobe Express, and sending the logo to colleagues. Analysts responded positively to the announcements, with Mizuho analysts writing that the pace of Microsoft’s generative AI innovation remains “stunning”.
Microsoft adopts OpenAI to retain software partners and expands its influence.
Microsoft has collaborated with artificial intelligence (AI) startup OpenAI, the company responsible for viral chatbot ChatGPT, and invested billions in the process. Speaking at the Build conference for software developers, Microsoft made several product announcements catering to developers, including new Azure cloud tools, a chatbot for data analytics and plugins for ChatGPT and Microsoft’s own products. Generative AI, which allows computers to create natural-sounding text based on human input, was also highlighted as a changing force in software development. Analysts responded positively to Microsoft’s investment, with one noting the “stunning” pace of its GenAI innovation.