Build 2025: Microsoft bets big on agentic AI and scientific discovery

Microsoft also had its big moment with Build 2025, even as Google I/O 2025 took the tech world by storm with its own set of AI announcements. Focused on developers, Microsoft introduced a host of new AI features and capabilities, further expanding its already extensive portfolio. Here are a few features and developments that were certainly the highlight of Microsoft Build 2025.
Microsoft claims that science is one of the most important applications of artificial intelligence. It can be used to solve humanity's most challenging issues, be it drug discovery or sustainability. This is where Microsoft Discovery comes in. Microsoft says that this is a platform which researchers can use to transform the discovery process with agentic AI. This will aid research for research departments across various industries and accelerate the time to discovery.
Also Read: Apple WWDC 2025 starts on June 9: Here's a detailed schedule
Microsoft says that AI is not only changing how developers create, but also how individuals, teams, and companies actually do their work. At Build 2025, the company unveiled new pre-built agents, custom agent building blocks, and multi-agent capabilities, as well as new models to help developers build their own agents and deploy them securely. This involves Microsoft 365 Copilot tuning and multi-agent orchestration, using the Azure AI Foundry. This brings new capabilities to help developers create specialised agents and handle complex tasks.
It is notable that AI is changing how code is written, deployed, and maintained. And now, Microsoft details that developers are starting to stay in their flow environment longer, and they are now able to focus more on strategic thinking and tasks. This is primarily being done through features across platforms such as GitHub, Azure AI Foundry, and Windows, which help developers work faster and build at scale.
More specifically, this is done using GitHub Copilot coding agent, which is evolving from an in-editor assistant to an agentic AI partner. Microsoft is also open-sourcing GitHub Copilot Chat in VS Code. Alongside this, Microsoft also introduced Windows AI Foundry.
MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Standard

an hour ago

• Business Standard

Oman to become 1st Gulf state to levy income tax, aims to cut oil reliance

Oman will become the first Gulf state to introduce a personal income tax from January 2028. The new legislation imposes a 5 per cent tax on individuals earning more than 42,000 Omani rials (approximately $109,000) annually. According to a Bloomberg report citing the state-run Oman News Agency, the measure will impact only around 1 per cent of the population. The policy is part of Oman's broader efforts to reduce its dependence on oil income. Minister of Economy Said bin Mohammed Al‑Saqri stated that the tax was introduced 'to reduce dependence on oil revenue while preserving social spending'. While income tax is standard globally, none of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations currently impose it. Oman's decision breaks with regional norms and signals a major policy shift. Fiscal reform with wider Gulf implications 'While the scope is narrow, it will still be a significant fiscal development in the region,' said Monica Malik, Chief Economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. 'Oman is looking to progress with fiscal reforms while still remaining competitive. This is especially at a time when high‑net‑worth individuals are moving to the region.' The International Monetary Fund has also cautioned that GCC states may eventually require income taxes as global energy transitions put long-term pressure on oil-dependent budgets. Part of Oman 'Vision 2040' The income tax, formalised through Royal Decree No. 56/2025, supports Oman Vision 2040 — a national agenda to diversify the economy and ensure long-term financial sustainability. The Tax Authority stated that the initiative aims to 'expand income sources and enhance fiscal sustainability', while contributing to wealth redistribution and bolstering the social protection system. Officials said the policy was shaped by a thorough study of income data from government departments. Findings showed that 99 per cent of citizens fall below the tax threshold and will remain unaffected. Deductions tied to social priorities The law will allow for deductions and exemptions based on social criteria, including spending on education, healthcare, housing, inheritance, zakat, and charitable contributions. Karima Mubarak Al Saadi, Director of the Personal Income Tax Project, said Oman is fully prepared for the rollout. 'All requirements for implementing the tax are in place,' she said, noting that executive regulations will be issued within a year. Digital compliance and public readiness An integrated digital system has been developed to encourage voluntary compliance and accurately assess income. This platform will interface with existing government databases to improve transparency and efficiency. Educational materials and public engagement initiatives will be released in phases. 'Training, infrastructure, and legal frameworks are already in place,' Al Saadi confirmed. Strengthening investor confidence and fiscal health In 2024, Oman collected OMR 1.4 billion through corporate tax, VAT, and selective levies. The addition of personal income tax is expected to broaden revenue streams and enhance investor confidence by improving fiscal credibility. 'Oman's income tax could act as a catalyst for other GCC countries implementing the tax as well in the future,' Malik noted.

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Honda Scoopy 2025 patented in India: Retro-styled scooter could launch soon; check details

2025 Honda Scoopy: Design Highlights LED crystal-block headlamp Round taillamp D-shaped turn indicators Round mirrors Single-piece seat Hardware and Features LCD instrument console with SMS/call alerts, navigation, clock, and battery indicator Higher variants (as seen internationally) may offer Honda Smart Key, anti-theft alarm, and a security system Engine and Performance 9 hp of peak power 9.2 Nm of torque Paired with an automatic CVT gearbox Honda is gearing up to expand its two-wheeler lineup in India and may soon introduce the updated version of its retro-style scooter , the 2025 Honda Scoopy. The company recently filed a new design patent for the Scoopy in India, suggesting a fresh look compared to earlier versions. While the Scoopy was first seen testing in India in 2017 and patented in 2021, the updated design points to Honda's renewed interest in the to the patent documents, the new Honda Scoopy will retain its retro-modern styling, similar to models sold in international markets. Key design features include:The 2025 Honda Scoopy is built on an underbone chassis, featuring 12-inch alloy wheels at both ends. Suspension is handled by telescopic forks at the front and a swingarm setup at the rear. Braking will be taken care of by drum brakes with a Combi Brake System (CBS).On the features front, the scooter is expected to come with:Under the hood, the new Scoopy is likely to be powered by a 109.5cc, air-cooled, SOHC, eSP engine, delivering:The refreshed Honda Scoopy could target urban commuters looking for style, practicality, and tech features in a budget-friendly package. However, an official launch timeline and pricing details for India are yet to be announced.

Time of India

3 hours ago

• Time of India

Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Salesforce's Marc Benioff pays tribute to FedEx founder Frederick Smith

Frederick Smith , the founder and former CEO of FedEx, died of natural causes on June 21 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 80. Smith started in 1973 with 14 planes and $4 million from his family. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now FedEx's current CEO Raj Subramaniam called Smith 'a pioneer who connected the world and shaped global commerce.' Tech industry leaders like Microsoft CEO and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff also paid tribute to Smith, remembering him as a visionary who changed global shipping. Sharing a post on microblogging site X, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote: 'Fred Smith shaped the world of commerce and logistics as we know it today. His vision, leadership, and relentless drive to innovate won't be forgotten. Rest in peace, Fred.' Marc Benioff wrote: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, FedEx founder Fred Smith. A gentle, kind, and brilliant giant of business, he always offered me his hard‑earned wisdom and the warmest word. A Marine who led with core values and deep integrity. My thoughts are with his family. May the one who brings peace bring peace to all.' From a college thesis to world's largest logistics companies Fredrick Smith launched Federal Express in 1973 with just 14 jets and $4 million in family funds. The company delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities on its first night. Today, FedEx handles 17 million shipments daily, operates in 220 countries, and moves an estimated $2 trillion in goods annually. His idea of an integrated air-ground delivery network revolutionized overnight shipping and helped pave the way for just-in-time manufacturing and modern e-commerce. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That concept was first imagined in a term paper Smith wrote while studying economics at Yale University in the 1960s. A Marine Corps veteran, Smith served two tours in Vietnam as a platoon leader and company commander. He earned several honors, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. He often credited his military service as the foundation of his business leadership, once saying the Marines gave him his 'business degree.' Smith served as FedEx CEO until 2022, when he stepped down after nearly five decades of leadership and became executive chairman. Under his guidance, FedEx grew into an $84 billion company employing over 500,000 people worldwide.