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Microsoft Build 2018: All The Latest Updates
From developers to techno junkies everyone is awaiting the latest highlights from the Developers Conference.
The Microsoft Build 2018 kicked off at Seattle on 7th May, unveiling spectacular keynotes. The conference was all about the integration of the Microsoft’s platform with Amazon Alexa, iOS and Android. Alongside, the focus was on Microsoft’s exponential work toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools.
Here’s what you need to know from the event!
Your Phone, An App From Microsoft
Microsoft unveiled an app called Your Phone. It gives an interface to your personal computer (PC) which provides a mirror of iOS and Android . The app is exclusively for Windows 10 PC. However the integration of app to the PC depends on the user’s device whether its an Android device or iOS.
Your Phone will be available to Windows Insider beta testers this week, with the feature set to come to all users in a Windows update later this year.
Cortana And Alexa Tie Up
As astonishing as it may look, Microsoft Cortana is all set to step into its rival Amazon Alexa’s den. Alexa devices will now let you access your very own email and calendar updates using Cortana instead of Alexa.
Microsoft Layout
The next big thing from the technology giant is the mixed reality tool, Microsoft Layout.
The tool basically allows you to design and visualize your own real world spaces using a Microsoft HoloLens headset. You could also use a third party mixed reality headset for designing as well. The Layout lets Windows Mixed Reality users define a virtual floor plan and then move 3D models around in a Virtual Reality (VR) headset. Then users can preview how a room would look and feel. Not only that, but also users can go to a physical location and view that layout using the HoloLens.
Accessibility for AI
Big tech giants Google and Apple have been focusing on AI lately. Now, Microsoft is in the line as well. The company announced a $25 million, five year program to encourage software and device developers to design products using artificial intelligence that are aimed at the disabled community. The company wants to empower people by accelerating the development of AI tools that provide them with more opportunities for independence and employment.
Microsoft Runs Your Meeting Now
The conference portrayed a room with a Surface Hub smart screen at the front. It also had a smart speaker in the center of the table and internet enabled cameras monitoring the room. By combining the data from the microphones and the cameras, Microsoft’s AI can build up a real time record of the meeting. A transcript of the conversation, divided by individual user, shows up just seconds after the words are spoken on the side of the screen. The AI recognizes your statement and accelerates the conversation in a continuing manner. The company wants to upgrade business conferences using this new technology.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said “The world is becoming a computer and computing is getting embedded in every person, place and thing.”
The company does know that the technology is evolving at a lightening pace and has been keeping pace with these advancements. Let us know what you think about these new keynotes from Microsoft Build 2018 in the comment below.
For more updates on the latest news from Microsoft Build 2018 follow us on www.startupstories.in
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
