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Science and Technology

Introducing GenAI

Microsoft has come up with low-cost artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that require less computing power and financial resources. They have formed a new team called "GenAI" to build small language models, which are conversational AI models that don't need as much computational power as current technology. These models aim to provide similar conversational capabilities as large language models, like GBT, but with lower requirements.

Reducing Costs and Carbon Footprint

By developing these affordable AI solutions, Microsoft aims to reduce costs and carbon footprint compared to externally developed alternatives. They want to make these AI solutions easily accessible through their platform, making it more convenient for users.

Less Dependence on External Companies

Previously, Microsoft heavily relied on OpenAI for their AI developments. However, with the creation of the GenAI team, Microsoft is signaling a potential shift towards greater autonomy in AI development. They aim to create AI that matches or exceeds the functionality of models provided by companies like OpenAI, but specifically designed for small sizes. This allows Microsoft to provide their own solutions and reduce dependence on external companies.

Microsoft's Latest Innovations

Aside from their AI developments, Microsoft has also launched new features within their Teams platform. They introduced 3D meetings, which allow people to gather in virtual spaces with or without virtual reality headsets. They have integrated their mixed reality platform, Mesh, into Teams, bringing the metaverse to the workplace. This allows employees to have a sense of co-presence even when they are geographically distant.

Mesh 3D Meetings in Teams

The Mesh mixed reality platform experience within Teams is similar to Alt Space VR, a social virtual reality platform that Microsoft acquired in 2017. Users can participate in 3D virtual meetings, and the spatial audio feature simulates private conversations, just like in an office setting. While it works best with VR headsets, Microsoft currently supports Metas Quest headset.

Source: Reuters