The afternoon briefing.
Microsoft reveals new AI models and an agent-focused OS at Build, while Trump's executive order seeks early access to frontier AI, and Amazon's Ring faces a privacy lawsuit.
Microsoft's AI Vision. Microsoft's Build 2026 conference unveiled a comprehensive AI strategy, introducing new in-house AI models designed to reduce reliance on partners like OpenAI and lower developer costs. The company also showcased Project Solara, an Android-based OS for AI agent gadgets, and a new personal assistant named Scout. These initiatives signal a significant push towards an agent-first computing future, integrating AI deeply into Windows devices and cloud services.
AI Market Dynamics. The AI investment landscape continues to heat up, with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon noting a "greed" mode as AI companies seek billions. This intense competition is also impacting earlier startups, with many built before ChatGPT now struggling to compete. Meanwhile, Uber has reportedly capped employee AI spending after quickly exceeding its budget, highlighting the significant operational costs associated with widespread AI adoption.
Regulation and Public Trust. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with President Trump signing an executive order requesting voluntary early access to frontier AI models for government review. Separately, Florida's Attorney General has sued OpenAI, seeking to hold CEO Sam Altman personally liable for alleged harms. Privacy concerns are also escalating, as Amazon and Ring face a class-action lawsuit over facial recognition features that allegedly collect data without consent.
Microsoft Build 2026: The 7 biggest announcements
Microsoft kicked off Build 2026 with key announcements including new Surface hardware, an always-on personal assistant, and updates to its in-house AI models. The event highlighted a mini Surface PC for AI development and a new chip-to-cloud platform for AI agents.
Microsoft says new quantum chip 1,000 times more reliable than predecessor
Microsoft announced its new Majorana 2 quantum chip, claiming it is 1,000 times more reliable than its predecessor. The company predicts it will have a quantum computer capable of solving commercially useful problems by the end of the decade.
Microsoft unveils new AI models to lessen reliance on OpenAI and lower costs for developers
At its Build developer conference, Microsoft introduced a series of new generative AI models. This move aims to reduce the company's dependence on OpenAI and provide more cost-effective solutions for developers.
NVIDIA partners with Microsoft on unified stack for agentic AI deployment
NVIDIA and Microsoft are collaborating to provide a unified stack for agentic AI deployment across Windows devices, Azure cloud, and local systems. This partnership aims to equip developers with the tools needed to build on-device agents on the Windows platform.
Microsoft launches Scout, an OpenClaw-inspired personal assistant
Microsoft launched Scout at its Build conference, a new AI assistant designed to integrate the capabilities of OpenClaw into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Scout functions as an always-on personal assistant, assisting with tasks like calendar organization and email drafts.
Microsoft’s Project Solara is an OS for AI agent gadgets
Microsoft introduced Project Solara, a new Android-based operating system specifically designed for gadgets that run AI agents. The company demonstrated concept devices, including a desk device and a wearable badge, powered by this agent-driven platform.
Trump signs AI executive order asking companies to give government early access to models
President Trump signed an executive order establishing a voluntary framework for AI companies to share frontier models with the federal government. The order aims to promote secure innovation and strengthen cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
Florida AG sues OpenAI, seeks to hold CEO Altman personally liable for alleged harms
Florida's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging harms resulting from the company's pursuit of the AI arms race. The complaint seeks to hold CEO Sam Altman personally liable for these alleged issues.
Amazon, Ring sued for alleged privacy violations from facial recognition tools
Amazon and its subsidiary Ring are facing a class-action lawsuit alleging privacy violations related to their facial recognition tools. The lawsuit claims that Ring's Familiar Faces feature can capture facial data from passersby without their consent.
Brussels wants AI to run the European energy system from 2027
The European Commission plans to deploy AI solutions across the entire energy value chain by 2027. This initiative aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the European energy system for enhanced efficiency and management.
Uber caps employee AI spending after blowing through budget in four months
Uber has reportedly capped its employee AI spending after the company exceeded its budget within four months. This decision follows a period where Uber had encouraged staff to extensively use AI tools.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says markets are in 'greed' mode as AI companies seek billions
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon stated that markets are currently in a "greed" mode, driven by AI companies seeking billions in funding. His comments come as investors anticipate a busy period for equity issuance.
Anthropic scales Claude Mythos to critical infrastructure in 15 countries
Anthropic is expanding access to its Claude Mythos model, deploying it to critical infrastructure in 15 countries. The company acknowledges the potential for catastrophic attacks on its codebase but is proceeding with broader access.
Google rolls out fake call detection to protect against AI deepfake impersonation scams
Google is implementing a new fake call detection feature in its Phone app to combat AI deepfake impersonation scams. This update aims to protect users from scammers who spoof trusted numbers and use AI to mimic familiar voices.