Microsoft creates new Gen AI team to develop smaller and cheaper language models

It has been stated that Microsoft is attempting to create AI technology that is more compact and less expensive compared to what it is currently acquiring from OpenAI.

Core Highlights:

• Microsoft allegedly aims to create AI technology that outperforms its present setup, which it acquires from OpenAI, in size and cost-effectiveness.
• Microsoft has assembled a new team to create conversational AI that outperforms OpenAI’s technology while using less processing power.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) products from Microsoft, including Bing Chat and Bing AI Image Creator, have been developed in a significant way by OpenAI.

According to a story in The Information, Microsoft is revamping its AI strategy by forming a group to create more compact and affordable language models. This method could make AI cheaper so that more people can afford it for many jobs by lowering the processing power needed for conversational AI.

Microsoft AI vs OpenAI: A New Rivalry

According to The Information, key Microsoft AI developers have been transferred from the research department to the new-Gen AI division, which will presumably be a component of the Azure cloud operation. Misha Bilenko, a VP at Microsoft AI, might head the new group.

Microsoft AI has depended substantially on OpenAI, a research organization that Elon Musk co-founded to build its AI-based solutions. For example, OpenAI’s cutting-edge GPT-4 language model powers Microsoft’s Bing Chat, a chatbot capable of answering questions and carrying on conversations. Bing AI Image Creator, an AI application from Microsoft, also leverages the Dall-E 3 image generator, an advanced AI system from OpenAI, to create realistic images based on text descriptions.

On the other hand, OpenAI’s technology isn’t cheap or simple to use. Extremely expensive and potentially harmful to the environment, data and processing power is needed for this. If Microsoft AI can find a cheaper and more scalable alternative, it will have a leg up on OpenAI and the rest of the AI competition.

Microsoft doubles down on Copilot:

As for other AI-related news, Microsoft has just released its Copilot Pro subscription. It gives users access to several benefits, including AI-powered Office features, early access to new language models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, the ability to create a personalized version of Copilot called Copilot GPT, and upgraded image quality through Bing’s AI image generator.

In addition, CoPilot for Microsoft 365 is now accessible to enterprise users and was introduced by Microsoft to empower organizations with artificial intelligence. Copilot, an app for both Android and iOS, was also unveiled by the firm.

Shift in Focus and Development Strategy

It’s no secret that Microsoft uses OpenAI to power its AI products; nonetheless, creating a new team indicates a change in how the business approaches development. Microsoft is stepping up its attempts to develop AI technology that is both efficient and cost-effective by transferring top developers from its research division to its new-gen AI side.

Expanding AI Offerings and Accessibility

With the release of new subscription choices for its Copilot AI assistant, Microsoft has done two things: developed smaller and cheaper language models and offered consumers access to sophisticated language models and increased image quality. These changes show that Microsoft is serious about AI and wants to make it available to more people.

Conclusion

With the new subscription, Microsoft has introduced three versions of its Copilot AI assistant: a free version that can function like any other chatbot (e.g., ChatGPT or Bard), a $20/month Copilot Pro subscription, and a $30/month Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscription.