Microsoft Build 2025: A Deep Dive into AI and Copilot

Microsoft Build, Microsoft’s biggest event of the year, is on the horizon. It’s scheduled to start May 19 at the Seattle Convention Center, and it’ll run through May 22.

The keynote address featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott will take place May 19 at 9:05 a.m. PT. That’ll be followed by a deep dive with executives Charles Lamanna (CVP of business and industry Copilot) and Scott Guthrie (EVP of cloud and AI) on May 20 at 9 a.m. PT.

Both presentations will be streamed live online for free.

As for what to expect from Build, in particular the keynote, Microsoft will surely talk about its Copilot family of AI-powered products. The company is aggressively integrating AI into its software and services, aiming to make it a major revenue driver.

Suggesting that it’s eager to boost its AI profits sooner rather than later, Microsoft recently bundled Copilot into its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans and increased the price by 30%.

In recent weeks, Microsoft has added “deep research” tools to Copilot and enabled Copilot to browse the web and perform actions on a user’s behalf. It has also reportedly ramped up internal R&D efforts to compete with OpenAI, its increasingly tenuous partner, by developing its own powerful AI models to power Copilot. Copilot is currently dependent on OpenAI models.

What to Expect at Microsoft Build 2025

Microsoft Build is an annual conference where developers, IT professionals, and technology enthusiasts gather to learn about the latest advancements in Microsoft technologies. This year, the spotlight is firmly on Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly the Copilot suite of products. Here's a breakdown of what you can anticipate:

Keynote Highlights

• Satya Nadella's Vision: Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, will likely outline the company's overarching vision for AI and its integration across various platforms and services. Expect to hear about how Microsoft plans to empower developers and businesses with AI tools.
• Copilot Deep Dive: Charles Lamanna and Scott Guthrie will provide an in-depth look at the Copilot family, showcasing new features, capabilities, and use cases. This session will likely delve into how Copilot is being integrated into Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and other Microsoft products.
• AI Model Development: With increasing competition in the AI space, Microsoft is investing heavily in developing its own AI models. The conference may offer insights into these efforts and how they will power future versions of Copilot.

Focus on Copilot

Copilot is at the heart of Microsoft's AI strategy. Here's what to expect regarding Copilot:

• Deeper Integration: Microsoft is aggressively integrating Copilot into its existing software and services. Expect demonstrations of how Copilot enhances productivity in applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• New Features: Recent additions like “deep research” tools and the ability to browse the web and perform actions on behalf of users will likely be highlighted. Microsoft may announce even more advanced capabilities.
• Monetization Strategies: The recent bundling of Copilot into Microsoft 365 plans and the associated price increase signal Microsoft's intent to monetize its AI investments. Expect discussions around the value proposition of Copilot and its pricing models.

Competition with OpenAI

Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI has been crucial to the development of Copilot. However, Microsoft is also investing in its own AI models to reduce its reliance on OpenAI. This dynamic will likely be a recurring theme at Build 2025:

• Internal R&D: Microsoft's increased investment in internal AI research and development suggests a long-term strategy to compete with OpenAI. Expect to hear about the progress of these efforts and the potential impact on Copilot.
• Model Diversity: By developing its own AI models, Microsoft aims to offer more diverse and customizable AI solutions. This could lead to Copilot becoming more adaptable to specific user needs and industries.
• Strategic Independence: Building its own AI capabilities allows Microsoft to maintain greater control over its AI roadmap and reduce its dependence on external partners.

Practical Information for Attendees

Whether you're attending in person or watching online, here's what you need to know:

• Dates and Location: The conference takes place from May 19 to May 22 at the Seattle Convention Center.
• Keynote Times: Satya Nadella's keynote is on May 19 at 9:05 a.m. PT, followed by the Copilot deep dive on May 20 at 9 a.m. PT.
• Live Streaming: All keynotes and major sessions will be streamed live online for free on the Microsoft Build website.
• Registration: While the online streaming is free, in-person attendance requires registration. Check the Microsoft Build website for registration details and pricing.

The Broader Context of AI in 2025

Microsoft Build 2025 takes place against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Here are some key trends shaping the industry:

• AI Integration Across Industries: AI is no longer confined to the tech industry. It's being integrated into healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and many other sectors.
• The Rise of AI Agents: AI agents, which can perform tasks autonomously, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Microsoft is likely to showcase how Copilot is evolving into a more capable AI agent.
• Ethical Considerations: As AI becomes more powerful, ethical considerations are paramount. Expect discussions around responsible AI development and deployment.
• The AI Skills Gap: The demand for AI skills is growing rapidly. Microsoft may announce initiatives to help developers and IT professionals acquire the necessary skills to work with AI technologies.

Conclusion

Microsoft Build 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for understanding Microsoft's AI strategy and the future of Copilot. With keynotes from Satya Nadella and other top executives, attendees and online viewers will gain valuable insights into the company's vision for AI-powered productivity and innovation. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or simply interested in the latest advancements in AI, Microsoft Build 2025 is an event you won't want to miss.