Releases

Microsoft introduces Project Brainwave, an FPGA-based architecture for real-time deep-learning inference in cloud and edge systems.

Microsoft launches Seeing AI, an accessibility application that narrates people, text, products and surroundings for blind and low-vision users.

Microsoft creates the AI and Research Group, combining research, information-platform and AI product teams under Harry Shum.

Microsoft launches Cognitive Services APIs for adding vision, speech, language, knowledge and search capabilities to applications.

Microsoft takes the Tay social chatbot offline after coordinated abuse caused it to produce offensive content, prompting a public review of safeguards and social-AI deployment.

Microsoft releases its Computational Network Toolkit under an open-source license for deep neural-network training.

Microsoft makes Azure Machine Learning generally available as a cloud platform for creating and deploying predictive models.

Microsoft launches Xiaoice, a social conversational AI designed for long-term, emotionally engaging interactions.

Microsoft introduces Cortana as a personal digital assistant for Windows Phone, later expanding it across Windows and Microsoft 365.

Microsoft establishes Microsoft Research to pursue long-term computer-science research, including speech, vision, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Microsoft completes its initial public offering on Nasdaq, establishing the public-company lineage represented by MSFT.

Bill Gates and Paul Allen found Microsoft, beginning the company that would later build a broad AI research, cloud and product portfolio.