Microsoft announced Project Solara, a new platform for devices that run AI agents instead of traditional apps. Prototypes for healthcare and retail tasks were shown, utilizing Qualcomm and MediaTek chips. The company also launched the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, capable of running a 120 billion parameter AI model on-device.
Microsoft has announced Project Solara, an initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence capabilities for mobile and other devices. Prototypes were revealed, including AI agent devices tailored for specific applications in the healthcare and retail sectors. These devices, based on chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek, feature screens and microphones but run AI agents that interact with cloud systems to perform tasks, rather than a traditional operating system and apps. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described it as a new platform with new rules. The company also introduced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a new computer powered by an Nvidia chip designed to bring AI processing directly to personal computers. This machine is capable of running an AI model with 120 billion parameters. Microsoft is also developing tools to help Windows run OpenClaw, an open-source software for directing AI agents, making it safer for business use. New AI agents like Scout for gathering user decisions and Web IQ for web searches were also showcased, alongside AI models for transcription and image generation, with one reasoning model matching Anthropic's Claude Opus. The Solara platform is built on a framework ultimately based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Microsoft announced a slate of AI initiatives at Microsoft Build, including autonomous workplace assistants, Nvidia-powered PCs, and a new in-house reasoning model. The company is shifting its strategy to replace traditional software navigation with AI agents carrying out complex tasks autonomously, aiming to control the end-to-end AI system amid rising competition. At the Microsoft Build conference, the company unveiled its first reasoning AI model, MAI-Thinking-1, a mid-sized model with a 128,000-context window, designed for complex multi-step instructions and long context reasoning. Other MAI models include MAI-Image-2.5, MAI-Transcribe-1.5, MAI-Voice-2, and MAI-Code-1. These models will be integrated into various Microsoft products. Project Soltera, an Android-based OS for running multiple agents securely, was also presented with concept devices: a wearable badge device using Qualcomm silicon and a desk device for managing agents. Microsoft Scout, an agent built atop OpenClaw, was introduced as a new type of customizable AI agent called Autopilots, designed to be an 'always on' assistant connected to Microsoft apps. The company emphasized the security benefits of running agents within an operating system-enforced boundary. The Surface RTX Spark Ultra, an AI laptop for developers powered by Nvidia RTX Spark, was also launched.
Microsoft's Project Solara represents a significant shift towards AI-native devices, potentially changing how users interact with technology by prioritizing AI agents over traditional apps and operating systems.