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.

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