Microsoft Build 2024: Supercharged virtual assistants, browser-based video translation, and more
From AI-powered virtual assistants to video translation and a revamped File Explorer, Microsoft Build 2024 painted a clear picture.
The curtain rose on Microsoft Build developer conference yesterday, May 21st, and it was a full-on blast of innovation that we believe will transform the AI space, making it easier for developers and professionals to get tasks done.
From supercharged virtual assistants to browser-based video translation, Microsoft is betting big on AI as the future, and this developer conference was all about showcasing how it will empower users and transform workflows.
Here are more announcements from the Microsoft Build event you may have missed:
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Copilot Evolves into Virtual Assistants
- Microsoft will soon allow businesses and developers to build AI-powered Copilots that can work like virtual employees and perform tasks automatically.
- Businesses will be able to create a Copilot agent that could handle IT help desk service tasks, employee onboarding, and much more. “Copilots are evolving from copilots that work with you, to copilots that work for you,” says Microsoft in a blog post. These Copilot agents will be triggered by certain events and work with a business’s own data.
- Microsoft is previewing this new capability today to a very small group of early access testers ahead of a public preview inside Copilot Studio later this year.
Real-Time Video Translation in Microsoft Edge
- As part of the array of AI features Microsoft has added to Edge through an integration with Copilot, the Edge browser is getting an AI-powered real-time video translation feature that can dub videos from sites like YouTube, LinkedIn, Reuters, and Coursera and more live as you’re watching it.
- This feature opens up a world of information and entertainment previously inaccessible due to language limitations. Edge’s new AI feature will also make videos more accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- The feature works with a handful of languages, offering translation from Spanish to English or vice versa — or from English to German, Hindi, Italian, and Russian. Microsoft says the feature is “coming soon” and that more languages and video platforms will be added in the future.
Native Version Control and 7z Compression in File Explorer
- Microsoft says that it is adding native version control to File Explorer by integrating systems like Git which would make it easier for developers to monitor their favorite programming projects and let them see changes and comments directly from the app.
- It also confirmed that File Explorer will now be able to compress files to 7-zip and TAR. This is a major upgrade from the ZIP option and it will most likely replace it on the right-click context menu.
Meta Quest Headsets are Getting Windows Volumetric Apps
- This one's for VR enthusiasts. Microsoft is bringing "Windows Volumetric Apps" to Meta Quest headsets which is a way to extend Windows applications into the immersive world of 3D.
- Right now, Microsoft has not released substantial details on this yet. However, it is inviting developers to sign up for the developer preview which will give them access to an unnamed volumetric API.
- We guess that Microsoft wants to collaborate with developers to improve the API and ensure smooth integration of the Windows Volumetric Apps into its headsets.
Clipboard Now Has AI Powered Copy and Paste
- Microsoft decided to add a new "Advanced Paste" feature to PowerToys for Windows 11 that can convert your clipboard content on the go with the power of AI.
- This new feature is best for people who want to accelerate their workflows by doing things such as copying code in one language and pasting it in another, although its best tricks require OpenAI API credits.
- Available in PowerToys version 0.81, this feature is activated with Windows Key + Shift + V, opening an Advanced Paste window with options like plaintext, markdown, and JSON. To use it, you must add an OpenAI API key in PowerToys and purchase API credits if needed.
Customizable emoji feature in Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft is finally adding a long-awaited feature, custom emojis, to its Teams communications platform.
- Similar to what's available on Slack and Discord, users can now upload their own unique emojis to add a touch of creativity, personality and fun to their communications. Currently, Microsoft Teams only supports official Unicode emoji — the standardized array of public domain emoji supported by most smartphones and social media platforms.
- The new custom emoji will be available to try next month via the Teams public preview.
Conclusion
From AI-powered virtual assistants to video translation and a revamped File Explorer, Microsoft Build 2024 painted a clear picture: AI is the future, and Microsoft is at the forefront.
These innovative tools promise to streamline workflows, shatter language barriers, and empower developers. But this is just day one, so stay tuned to see what other exciting developments emerge from the rest of the conference.
Follow Techloy's coverage of Microsoft Build 2024 from our editorial team.
