Microsoft Unveils AI Agent Platform and Next-Generation Quantum Chip at Build 2026

At Build 2026, Microsoft expanded its generative AI strategy beyond standalone chatbots toward an ecosystem of agents capable of autonomously executing tasks. The push spans an enterprise development platform, a personal assistant and in-house models. It also reflects Microsoft's efforts to reduce its reliance on OpenAI technology while integrating its Windows, Azure and hardware businesses.

Microsoft unveiled Microsoft Agent Platform, personal assistant Microsoft Scout and seven MAI-family models at its 2026 conference. It also introduced Majorana 2, a topological quantum chip that it says delivers a thousandfold improvement in reliability, with the goal of building a practical-scale quantum system by 2029. Pricing and formal launch dates for the products have not been announced.