Microsoft’s annual Build conference is set to run from May 19 to May 22 at the Seattle Convention Center. The event, a major highlight for developers, serves as a platform for showcasing the company’s latest advances in software, hardware, and AI.
With last year’s conference placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, this year’s event is widely expected to delve even deeper into AI’s role across Microsoft’s product suite.
Last year’s Build saw a range of AI announcements, including updates to Copilot and other AI-powered tools within Microsoft 365. These announcements underscored the company’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence more seamlessly into everyday productivity workflows.
Microsoft has since expanded Copilot’s capabilities, introducing pay-as-you-go options for businesses and broader integration into consumer-focused services. At Build 2025, further enhancements to Copilot are anticipated, along with new features designed to streamline both individual and enterprise productivity.
In addition to software announcements, Microsoft has used Build in previous years to present new hardware tailored to its AI-driven ecosystem. For example, last year’s Snapdragon-powered PCs offered improved support for AI workloads, reflecting the company’s push to align hardware capabilities with its software innovations.
This year, rumors suggest that refreshed Surface models, including a more compact Surface Pro and an updated Surface Laptop, may debut at Build. While the company has not confirmed any new hardware, the speculation alone highlights Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to deliver devices optimized for next-generation AI applications.
Beyond specific product updates, Build 2025 will likely address broader questions about the sustainability of Microsoft’s AI investments.
In a recent internal memo, Microsoft CFO Amy Hood called on employees to remain focused as the company continues its push into AI and cloud infrastructure. She emphasized: “There has been a lot of AI-related news this week, but our focus is clear: delivering real-world AI solutions while simultaneously globally scaling our cloud and AI infrastructure to support our partners and customers as they adopt, build, and grow as well.”
AI’s Growing Influence in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
Microsoft’s efforts in artificial intelligence have grown substantially over the past year, with Copilot playing a central role in enhancing productivity and efficiency. The AI-powered assistant, which initially debuted in Microsoft 365, has expanded to include capabilities that simplify complex tasks like document drafting and data analysis.
At Build 2025, the company is expected to unveil further refinements to Copilot that will help developers and businesses leverage AI even more effectively.
To support these advancements, Microsoft has been making significant infrastructure investments. In fiscal year 2025, the company committed $80 billion to expanding its AI-enabled data centers, aiming to meet growing demand from enterprise customers and developers alike.
This investment reflects Microsoft’s confidence in AI’s long-term potential and its determination to remain at the forefront of the industry. These infrastructure improvements also enable the integration of alternative AI models, such as DeepSeek’s efficient R1 model, into Azure’s ecosystem.
Microsoft’s diverse approach to AI ensures that customers have a range of options when building AI solutions. This variety not only addresses different use cases but also helps the company maintain a competitive edge as it prepares for Build 2025.
Developers attending the conference can expect detailed sessions on how these AI tools are being implemented across Microsoft’s ecosystem, as well as insights into future developments that aim to simplify workflows and improve productivity for businesses of all sizes.