Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference is scheduled to take place next week, from May 19 to 22. The event is expected to feature major announcements regarding new integrations, services, and applications in the field of artificial intelligence. As in previous years, one of the central topics of this year’s event is anticipated to be the expansion of Copilot’s capabilities.
Copilot, Microsoft’s generative AI platform, is already integrated across products like Windows, Teams, and others. This year, it is expected to evolve further with new “agentic” features that can autonomously execute user commands. According to a leak by well-known tech insider TestingCatalog, a new “Action” button is currently being tested within the Windows Copilot client. This button would allow Copilot to perform users’ daily tasks automatically.
Amid reports of tensions between Microsoft and OpenAI, the company is also reportedly testing alternative model providers for Copilot, including xAI, Meta, Anthropic, and DeepSeek. This suggests that Microsoft may be considering changes to the underlying technology powering Copilot.
At the same time, Microsoft is rumored to be preparing to introduce its own family of AI models—known as MAI—through an API. These models are said to be capable of competing with OpenAI’s technology. The official launch of this model family may take place during the Build conference.
Azure and Chip Technology Announcements Expected
Microsoft is also expected to announce “Maia 2,” the successor to the Maia 100 AI chip, designed specifically for the Azure cloud platform. These chips are built to power Microsoft’s AI services with greater efficiency and speed. Analyst Ray Wang notes that Microsoft has already begun collaborating with Marvell for the production of Maia 2.
AI-Powered Features to Justify Price Increases
It’s worth noting that in November last year, Microsoft raised prices by 5% for several of its products, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, and Windows 365. During the Build conference, the company is expected to unveil new AI-powered features for these products, which could help justify these price hikes.
The keynote speeches and main presentations at Build 2025 will be streamed online for free, offering developers and tech professionals a chance to closely follow Microsoft’s evolving AI strategy.
Conclusion
Build 2025 is shaping up to be a key moment in defining Microsoft’s future direction in AI and cloud technology. Whether through expanded Copilot functionality or new chip technologies, the conference is expected to reaffirm Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the tech industry.
