Microsoft developers conference kicks off in Seattle

Global Business

Microsoft employee Anne Walker, right, is shown a Surface Studio device by Fei Su at the Microsoft Build 2017 developers conference, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Seattle. Earlier in the day at the annual event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that a half billion devices are now running Windows 10, its latest operating system. That’s up from 400 million disclosed last September, but far short of a goal of 1 billion by 2018. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Microsoft is holding its annual developers conference in Seattle a departure from past years where it’s been held in San Francisco.

CGTN’s Mark Niu has a peak at the newest technology.

Back on its home turf, Microsoft is seeking to inspire and convince thousands of developers that its technology ecosystem is on the cutting edge. That’s partly why everywhere at the event, you’ll hear a new Microsoft buzz phrase “Intelligent Edge.”

“We really think the future of computing is this combination of an intelligent cloud combined with lots of devices at what we call the intelligent edge, so it’s the combination of these devices connecting to the cloud [edit] on your watch on your phone, on your computer, in your speaker,” Chris Capossela, chief marketing officer for Microsoft said.

One example is Microsoft’s personal assistant Cortana – which is now in a Harman Kardan speaker called Invoke. The idea is to have Cortana move personalized information seamlessly across all devices wherever you go.

In an increasingly competitive mobile space, Microsoft is hoping to leverage its extensive software and cloud services to bring in users from all devices.

Through its work in artificial intelligence, Microsoft is aiming to turn real world surroundings into a searchable database.

This recognition system can help track equipment to find if it’s stored safely or whether certified people are using it.

But Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella is also well aware that many users are starting to find the rapid development of artificial intelligence, camera vision and data collection a little scary.

That’s why Nadella said it’s up to developers to ensure that dystopian scenarios do not become a reality.


Chris Capossela discusses how Microsoft’s personal assistant plans to take on competitors