Microsoft unwraps new AI tools to empower developers: Report

Microsoft has introduced a suite of new tools designed to help developers integrate artificial intelligence into Windows software, as it competes with Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple to lead the promising AI sector.

This announcement was made at the Build developer conference held in Seattle, where CEO Satya Nadella highlighted new application programming interfaces (APIs) which will simplify the adoption of AI technology in various software applications.

Nadella highlighted the impact of developers utilising AI capabilities, noting their role in transformative technological advancements.

He stated, "What stands out to me as I look back at this past year, is how you all as developers have taken all of these capabilities and are applying them, quite frankly, to change the world around us."

One of the key highlights from the conference was Microsoft's generative AI tool, Github Copilot, which is now being used by 1.8 million developers to enhance coding productivity.

This tool helps streamline the development process by generating code snippets and offering real-time assistance, thereby boosting efficiency and innovation.

In addition to this, Microsoft detailed enhancements to its Copilot AI software, which is integrated into business productivity applications like email and Teams, the company's video and text chat platform.

These improvements are part of Microsoft's continuing efforts to provide promising AI solutions that cater to everyday business needs, similar to the recent AI tools unveiled by Alphabet's Google.

The tech giant also made waves in the stock market, with shares rising 1.2 per cent to $430.67 on Tuesday afternoon, following a record high of $432.97 earlier in the day.

Microsoft's stock has surged 14 per cent in 2024, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s AI-driven future.

Microsoft's announcement last week about offering cloud computing customers a platform of AMD AI chips, designed to compete with Nvidia's industry-leading graphics processing units, marks another significant development.

This new platform leverages Nvidia's Infiniband networking technology to connect processors, promising enhanced performance for AI applications.

Microsoft's chief technology officer Kevin Scott also revealed that OpenAI's new GPT-4o model, which operates on Microsoft's infrastructure, is now 12 times cheaper for developers compared to previous versions.

Microsoft, being the largest investor in OpenAI, continues to integrate its advanced AI technologies into its own products, fostering innovation and reducing costs for developers.

(With inputs from Reuters)