Microsoft has developed three new AI models itself

Microsoft is betting big on AI: the company released three new ‘foundational AI models’ this week introduced. The company therefore competes directly with other AI suppliers, despite its close collaboration with OpenAI. These are MAI-Transcribe-1, MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-Image-2. MAI-Transcribe-1 is a speech-to-text model that can translate spoken texts into written text for $0.36 per hour. The model can do this in 25 different languages. The model is 2.5 times faster than Microsoft’s own Azure Fast, and according to Microsoft benchmarks makes fewer errors than all other transcribing models.MAI-Voice-1 is an AI model that generates speech. As much as a whole minute of spoken text can be generated in one second. The model can be tested via Copilot Audio Expressions. A million punctuation marks cost $22. Finally, MAI-Image-2 makes it possible to generate videos, where the model can do this twice as fast as Copilot and Foundry. According to Microsoft, these AI models are being rolled out to give both consumer and commercial customers more options. Microsoft also boasts about its competitive prices compared to the competition. The models are not only immediately available for use, but are also used to improve other Microsoft products such as Copilot and Bing.

Collaboration with OpenAI while still striving for independence

The three models were developed internally by Microsoft AI, the branch of the company that researches artificial intelligence. This division was founded last November and exists so that Microsoft can create its own AI tools. Until recently, Microsoft mainly relied on OpenAI’s AI technology to offer its AI products. This is because the company was contractually not allowed to develop AI itself until last October. In 2019, Microsoft struck a deal with OpenAI to allow the former company to use OpenAI’s AI technology in exchange for building the cloud infrastructure OpenAI needed. However, OpenAI has made several deals with other companies in recent years, giving Microsoft the opportunity to renegotiate. The new agreements mean that Microsoft can now work on its own AI models, while it is also entitled to licenses for OpenAI products until 2032. As far as Microsoft is concerned, this collaboration will remain intact – something that the company recently proved with a significant investment in OpenAI. However, it gives Microsoft the opportunity to work on AI itself and gain a stronger position in it. It is not without reason that the CEO of Microsoft AI recently indicated in an interview that it must be able to function completely independently in the field of AI if necessary.