Microsoft Build 2026: Copilot and AI at the Heart of Announcements

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Key Takeaways

1Microsoft Build 2026 began on June 2, focusing on AI and Copilot, presented by Satya Nadella.

2Project Solara introduces a chip-to-cloud platform for AI agent devices, utilizing Qualcomm chips.

3Microsoft's new data centers will consume the equivalent of water used by a restaurant, approximately 2 million gallons per year.

💡Why it matters — Microsoft is strengthening its position in AI with innovations that could transform the everyday use of technology.

Microsoft Build 2026: Launch and Key Announcements

June 2 marked the beginning of the annual Microsoft Build 2026 conference, a major event for developers and users of Microsoft products. Satya Nadella, the company's CEO, opened the conference by highlighting the numerous updates planned for flagship products such as Copilot and Windows. Although primarily aimed at developers, this conference also holds significant announcements for end users. Nadella emphasized that artificial intelligence, particularly Copilot, is at the heart of this edition. Microsoft aims to transform Copilot from a simple chatbot into a true assistant capable of managing complex and extended tasks in key areas.

Following the Opening Speech

For those who wish to follow the announcements live, a livestream is available on YouTube. Viewers can also connect to CNET's livestream to discuss the event in real-time. Satya Nadella's opening speech began at 9:30 AM PT, which is 12:30 PM ET and 5:30 PM BST, on Tuesday, June 2.

Project Solara: A New Era for AI Devices

One of the standout announcements of the conference was the launch of Project Solara. Presented as a new "chip-to-cloud" platform, this project is designed to revolutionize AI agent devices. Steven Bathiche, who leads the applied sciences group at Microsoft, demonstrated a prototype of a wearable device using Qualcomm chips on stage. "It's a turnkey solution for building unique agent-focused devices," Bathiche stated while showcasing this early prototype.

Additionally, Microsoft unveiled another device, a stationary MediaTek agent device, powered by Microsoft's new Work IQ. This device is designed to provide optimized work context for AI agents within organizations.

Data Centers: A Sustainable Approach

Satya Nadella also addressed the environmental impact of Microsoft's data centers. He emphasized the importance of gaining permission from local communities to establish these infrastructures, which are essential for AI growth but can generate noise and light pollution. Microsoft is adopting a new approach for its data centers, with plans to improve cooling systems and significantly reduce water consumption. Nadella announced that the new data centers would consume much less water than previous ones, equivalent to the usage of a single restaurant, approximately 2 million gallons per year.

Collaboration with Nvidia: AI in the Spotlight

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, participated in the opening speech from the Computex lounge in Taiwan, stating that AI is now a useful technology thanks to agent systems. Microsoft and Nvidia, who have collaborated for a long time, discussed the future of computing, focusing on autonomous AI systems. Nadella mentioned that Nvidia plans to bring Windows to its DGX Station platform, a powerful supercomputer capable of managing a trillion-parameter AI model locally. "It's crazy to think that we've reached a point where you can now have a data center on your desk," Nadella said.

Competitive Context: Microsoft and Apple

The Microsoft Build conference takes place just before Apple's WWDC 2026, scheduled for next week. Although Microsoft and Apple have been linked since the 1980s, their current directions differ. Microsoft continues to develop Windows, but its focus on AI with Copilot seems to be taking center stage, while Apple pursues its own innovations.