Anticipation Builds for Microsoft’s Annual Developer Conference: Key AI Developments Expected

Microsoft is set to host its annual Build developer conference from May 19 to 22, a key event anticipated to showcase new AI integrations, services, and applications, particularly for Windows.
Last year’s conference featured significant announcements, including the integration of Copilot into Microsoft Teams, AI-powered PCs with Copilot+, and the introduction of Windows Volumetric Apps for Meta Quest headsets. This year, attendees can expect even deeper integrations of Copilot generative AI across various Microsoft software offerings for both consumer and enterprise markets.
The keynotes will be streamed online for free, providing access to insights and updates for developers and tech enthusiasts alike. Given Microsoft’s recent price hikes of 5% across major software products such as Windows 365, Office 365, and Microsoft 365, the announcement of new AI-powered features could serve to justify these increases.
Copilot is likely to take center stage at Build, with potential significant changes on the horizon. Microsoft is reportedly exploring alternative AI models from xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek to possibly replace the OpenAI technology currently integrated into Copilot due to growing tensions with OpenAI.
On the Windows front, Copilot may gain “agentic” functionality, enabling it to autonomously perform basic PC tasks. Recent findings by leaker TestingCatalog have uncovered references to an Action button in the Copilot client for Windows, designed to initiate certain everyday tasks.
Moreover, Microsoft is developing a family of models known as MAI, which aim to compete with OpenAI’s offerings and may be offered via an API. Build could serve as the platform for unveiling these advancements. There is also speculation surrounding a successor to the Azure Maia 100 AI Accelerator, custom-designed for Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. Rumors of a “Maia 2” chip, reportedly being manufactured by Marvell, have gained traction on social media, adding to the excitement leading up to the event.