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.
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PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.
Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.
PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.
In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.
Cashfree Payments has appointed Piyush Anchliya as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15, 2025. Anchliya brings over 15 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, with senior roles at Barclays, Bandhan Group, and most recently as CFO of Bandhan AMC. He holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a B.Tech. from IIT Kharagpur.
In his new role, Anchliya will lead Cashfree’s financial strategy, optimize operations, and support the company’s next growth phase. He will report to CEO and Co-founder Akash Sinha, who highlighted Anchliya’s expertise as vital for sustainable scaling and strengthening the company’s financial foundation. Anchliya succeeds outgoing CFO Vikas Guru, who will assist during the transition.
Founded in 2015, Cashfree Payments processes over $80 billion annually for more than 800,000 businesses. The company recently raised $53 million in funding led by KRAFTON and Apis Growth Fund II and secured key RBI licenses, positioning it for accelerated growth in India’s fintech sector. Anchliya’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Cashfree aims to expand its leadership in digital payments.
Jeyandran Venugopal, the outgoing Chief Product and Technology Officer of Flipkart, is set to become the CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures (RRV), the retail arm of Reliance Industries. His appointment, expected to be finalized in May after his exit from Flipkart, signals Reliance’s push to strengthen its retail business with a technology-first approach.
Venugopal brings extensive experience from leading roles at Flipkart, Myntra, Yahoo, Snapdeal, and Amazon, where he focused on scaling technology platforms and driving innovation. At Flipkart, he managed product, engineering, data science, and more, helping build robust systems and improve user experience.
His move comes as Reliance Retail undergoes transformation, including cost-cutting and a renewed focus on digital growth. Venugopal’s leadership is expected to accelerate Reliance’s ambitions in omnichannel and tech-driven retail, positioning the company for continued dominance in India’s evolving market.
