- Microsoft Build 2023 unveils significant developments in AI, Windows, Edge browser, Bing Chat plugins, and Teams’ avatars and virtual spaces.
- Windows Copilot, an AI assistant, seamlessly integrates with Windows 11, enhancing task completion and contextual app interaction.
- AI detection capabilities are introduced in Bing Image Creator and Microsoft Designer, aiming to combat plagiarism and promote media transparency.
The eagerly anticipated Microsoft Build 2023, the annual gathering of developers, is here, and it has already brought forth a plethora of exciting revelations. Unquestionably, the event revolves around the prominent theme of AI, which remains a focal point for both Microsoft and the entire tech community. However, alongside this overarching focus, there are also significant revelations to be shared regarding Windows, the Edge browser, Teams, and various other noteworthy developments.
Microsoft Build 2023: What to look for?
At Microsoft Build 2023, an array of exciting new features and updates have been unveiled, marking significant advancements across various Microsoft products and services. Let’s delve into the highlights and explore the latest offerings that have generated immense anticipation and enthusiasm among developers and tech enthusiasts.
AI-related features are coming to Windows
If you believed that Microsoft’s dedication to AI would wane following the buzz surrounding Bing Chat earlier this year, you would be mistaken. Not only is Bing Chat being integrated into every Microsoft 365 application, but it is also making its way directly into Windows 11 itself. Introducing Windows Copilot, an AI assistant that accompanies you throughout the operating system.
Windows Copilot goes beyond internet searches; it can carry out tasks on your behalf and seamlessly interact with your currently open apps in a contextual manner. The level of usefulness that Windows Copilot will provide is eagerly anticipated, marking a significant milestone for AI. The best part is that you won’t need to visit websites or deal with logins; this functionality will be seamlessly integrated into your computer’s operating system.
Bing Chat plugins
The inclusion of third-party plugins has been a game-changer for ChatGPT, enabling enhanced interactions with specific applications. However, until now, these plugins were exclusively available for ChatGPT Plus. With the introduction of Bing Chat plugins, they will adhere to the same plugin standard utilized by OpenAI, ensuring full interoperability across both ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot offerings. This exciting development announced at Microsoft Build 2023 empowers developers to create plugins that function seamlessly not only with ChatGPT but also with Microsoft 365 applications such as Word or PowerPoint.
In addition to the previously announced plugins like OpenTable and Wolfram Alpha, Microsoft is expanding its lineup to include Instacart, Kayak, Klarna, Redfin, Zillow, and more. This expansion further enriches the capabilities and versatility of the platform, offering users a broader range of integrated services and functionalities.
Bing Image Creator receives AI media detection
Amidst the discussions surrounding AI, the issue of plagiarism and media literacy has emerged as a significant concern. Google has already unveiled its efforts to address this problem, and now at Microsoft Build 2023, the AI detection capabilities to Bing Image Creator and Microsoft Designer are introduced.
In the near future, AI-generated content will be accurately identified and labeled using cryptographic techniques to analyze metadata. This development will initially focus on major image and video formats, as detecting AI-generated text continues to pose difficulties. Nevertheless, Microsoft’s proactive measures showcase their dedication to tackling the problem of recognizing AI-generated content and fostering transparency within the realm of media.
Microsoft Edge Workspaces
Microsoft introduced several intriguing updates to the Edge browser, including the introduction of Workspaces. Workspaces serves as Microsoft’s response to tab groups, a feature utilized by Chrome to assist users in organizing their tabs. With Workspaces, users can gather different websites into a single folder, enabling easy navigation through a table of contents. This feature was initially announced in 2022 and, according to Microsoft, garnered significant popularity during preview testing. It is expected to be widely available in the next few months for both enterprise users and eventually for consumers as well.
Additionally, the ocmpany showcased an update to Edge for Business at Microsoft Build 2023, offering a dedicated work experience tailored to employees at companies. One notable highlight is the seamless switching between work and personal contexts, facilitated by a simple toggle feature. This enhancement provides users with a convenient way to transition between their professional and personal tasks within the Edge browser.
Metaverse is not forgetten
During last year’s Build event, the metaverse dominated discussions and captured everyone’s attention. However, over the course of a year, the landscape has evolved significantly, although Microsoft has not entirely abandoned the concept. Now, two essential features of Microsoft Mesh are being made available to users: avatars in calls and virtual spaces.
The avatars feature offers an alternative to traditional camera usage during calls, providing the option to use a 3D avatar instead. This allows users to personalize their virtual presence in a call. On the other hand, virtual spaces enable users to bring these avatars into immersive 3D environments for interactive experiences, moving beyond the limitations of generic video calls. While the virtual spaces are ideally experienced in virtual reality (VR), they can also be utilized in a 2D setting.
