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
CoRover has launched BharatGPT Mini, India’s first offline multilingual AI model, at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, with the event officiated by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. This innovative Small Language Model (SLM), featuring around 534 million parameters, is specifically designed for edge devices and low-compute environments, enabling robust AI capabilities without the need for cloud connectivity. Its ability to function entirely offline and support 14 Indic languages makes it a powerful tool for digital inclusion, particularly in rural and remote regions where internet access is limited.
BharatGPT Mini’s architecture is optimized for deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, and governance, allowing citizens to interact with essential services in their native languages. The model can be integrated into small businesses, government offices, and other organizations through the CoRover Builder platform, which offers a no-code solution for deploying AI assistants across web, telephony, and IoT systems. By processing data locally and encrypting it on-device, BharatGPT Mini ensures strong privacy and data sovereignty, aligning with India’s strategic goal of developing indigenous AI solutions.
The launch has garnered strong support from both the Indian government and industry leaders, who see BharatGPT Mini as a catalyst for democratizing access to digital services. CoRover anticipates significant growth in the adoption of Small Language Models, with early feedback indicating a substantial increase in project demand. As CoRover looks to expand its expertise globally, BharatGPT Mini stands out as a scalable, multilingual, and privacy-centric solution, setting a new standard for inclusive and sovereign AI innovation in India’s diverse landscape.
Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.
The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.
E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.
Instagram is rolling out two major features in June 2025 that promise to give users unprecedented creative control and privacy: grid rearranging and silent posting. The long-awaited grid rearranging tool allows users to freely drag and drop posts anywhere on their profile grid, breaking away from the traditional chronological order. This means users can now curate their profiles for a more visually appealing or thematic presentation, without the hassle of deleting and reposting content—an update especially welcomed by brands, creators, and anyone meticulous about their digital aesthetic.
In tandem, Instagram is introducing the “Post quietly to profile” feature, which lets users add photos and videos to their grid without notifying followers or pushing the content to their feeds. This silent posting option is ideal for those who want to document moments privately, experiment with new content, or maintain a cohesive grid without spamming their audience. It’s designed to reduce the pressure of public sharing, making Instagram a more comfortable space for personal expression and experimentation.
These updates reflect Instagram’s commitment to user empowerment and flexibility, responding directly to years of feedback. As Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated, the goal is to help users “create and share without added pressure,” giving them more freedom over how their content appears and how they engage with their audience.
