Microsoft has made significant moves in the AI sector by hiring the co-founders, including Mustafa Suleyman, and most of the staff of AI startup Inflection, which raised over $1.3 billion from investors. This strategic acquisition-like move allows Microsoft to bolster its AI management team without undergoing a formal acquisition process, thus avoiding potential antitrust scrutiny. Inflection, initially challenging OpenAI's ChatGPT, is now pivoting from a consumer AI to an API company, with its LLMs offered on Azure. This shift is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to diversify its AI portfolio beyond OpenAI, amidst concerns over antitrust scrutiny and to hedge its bets in the rapidly evolving AI market. The deal also includes a licensing agreement for Inflection's proprietary technology, offering a pathway for Inflection investors to recoup their investments over time.
Microsoft launching its first AI PCs. CNBC’s Steve Kovach joins the Investment Committee to discuss what it means for the company. $MSFT https://t.co/ECS3xLRpHQ
Microsoft unveils new Surface Laptop 6, Pro 10 for business https://t.co/289vxrQcwY https://t.co/XbLlLFI6XK
Copilot gets its own key on Microsoft’s new Surface devices: https://t.co/pmLGrlOCRf by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
TechCrunch Minute: All about Microsoft’s mega AI push after it hired Inflection AI’s co-founders: https://t.co/c6MpgRj0Cb by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
Microsoft really wants to talk about Copilot: https://t.co/UiiTGrylgV by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
Microsoft’s new Adaptive accessibility accessories include an Atari-style joystick: https://t.co/ippEgelvns by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
MICROSOFT’S FIRST AI PCS ARE THE SURFACE PRO 10 AND SURFACE LAPTOP 6 FOR BUSINESSES Microsoft $MSFT is gearing up for its “year of the AI PC” with two new Surface devices that won’t be sold directly to consumers. The Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for… https://t.co/8PuJdyBghf
Microsoft really wants to talk about Copilot https://t.co/EzWzGBXZv4
Microsoft debuts first Surface PCs with dedicated Copilot chatbot key https://t.co/CEUXRM4bRS
Microsoft's new Surface Pro keyboard has the Copilot key and a bold keyset featuring a larger font and improved backlighting https://t.co/2mMnohacSL https://t.co/zyeRFafeps
Microsoft's latest Surface Pro Keyboard has bold keys to boost readability https://t.co/S1b41vlpfC https://t.co/tHx09lFIGz
Microsoft's Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 are here, but you won't find them in stores https://t.co/t4u5JZDKxX https://t.co/JtbFxUjhMt
Microsoft’s first AI PCs are the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for businesses https://t.co/LGF66Xfb0k
Microsoft’s new Surface devices are easier to repair than ever before https://t.co/sTzs3RP3wz
Microsoft debuts first Surface PCs with dedicated Copilot chatbot key https://t.co/XErA2B5vPR
Microsoft’s latest Surfaces were built for serious business https://t.co/UAcW81etVk by @markhachman
TechCrunch Minute: All about Microsoft’s mega AI push after it hired Inflection AI’s co-founders https://t.co/xPopUhXjcj
Copilot gets its own key on Microsoft’s new Surface devices https://t.co/CvyENSAwtr
Microsoft has just unveiled the Surface Pro 10 for business and Surface Laptop 6 for business, which feature the same designs as last gen, but with notable display and webcam upgrades, and new Intel Core Ultra chips. DETAILS: https://t.co/jaFF6Mnwue #Surface #Microsoft
Analysis: Microsoft’s big hires foreshadow bold new move into consumer AI - by @SSomasegar of @MadronaVentures https://t.co/uO4ceEyqMy via @GeekWire
Analysis: Microsoft’s big hires foreshadow bold new move into consumer AI https://t.co/SwlUTQ2vYv
Microsoft's Surface event kicks off in an hour at 9AM PT / 12PM ET / 4PM UK. We’re expecting Microsoft to announce new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 devices for businesses, ahead of consumer versions in May. Here's how you can watch today's event 👇 https://t.co/L1cZj6Bu2A
Could we see a new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6? https://t.co/XfIrxFnQ9x
Microsoft sneaking in on Inflection AI investors https://t.co/ErIkNUlb2I
Here is my thought on the news about Microsoft and Inflection AI: Nadella hired a toxic manager who abused his people, and dragged out sexual abuse cases to run their new AI division. But I guess hiring a founder of DeepMind is more important than having good leadership.
To be clear... - MSFT is diversifying from OpenAI to avoid anti-trust scrutiny - MSFT acquihires Inflection but doesn't call it an "acquisition" to avoid anti-trust scrutiny! Game, set, and match - MSFT Big tech always wins when there is a fight between big tech and big…
Microsoft hiring of Inflection staff came amid lack of consumer AI vision, and board concerns about OpenAI, insiders say https://t.co/Dtd03XC8qL
In the land grab around AI, big tech companies are relying on old playbooks to cement and enhance their lead, which could draw greater scrutiny from Washington and Brussels. New from @ReedAlbergotti in Semafor Tech: https://t.co/PLgipjh8nn
Microsoft will announce a new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop tomorrow. Here's how to watch the event. Details: https://t.co/9EdED1ufiX #Surface #Microsoft
Of the FAANG companies, Microsoft has taken a clear lead on AI. Google has the technical chops but cannot avoid self-inflicted injures due to institutional dysfunction. Apple remains a mystery, but I don’t yet count them out.
Why Microsoft’s surprise deal with $4 billion startup Inflection is the most important non-acquisition in AI #DisruptiveTech https://t.co/xTjWOiErky
The way that Microsoft is getting around m&a regulatory concerns by locking in deals with all the big AI co’s, who are also competitors, may also raise competition/antitrust concerns. Interested to see how DC tries to reckon with this. https://t.co/CBuh1shskz
Inflection, the startup that’s losing most of its staff to backer Microsoft, has an arrangement for investors that will make them whole. https://t.co/pEzoAg5IKB By @nmasc_ & @aaronpholmes
After raising $1.3B, Inflection is eaten alive by its biggest investor, Microsoft https://t.co/35omIqzo1T https://t.co/6mli0kpHzp
Generative AI is the newest battleground for tech giants. 4Q23 earnings show AI is a major growth driver for Microsoft and Google. Let's break it down: https://t.co/5ZfAguDWgW
Astera Labs goes public, and the Inflection-Microsoft AI saga continues: https://t.co/HGmj5Edhgt by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
"Microsoft is very serious about hedging their OpenAI bet." - @benthompson
The surprise takeover of promising AI startup Inflection shows how quickly innovation is being captured by a handful of tech players, @parmy writes https://t.co/eH1gB80V7g
3-20-2024 ($) •Microsoft and Inflection AI •Inflection Oddities •The Acquisition That Isn't https://t.co/QjTu3v6rXq
today in AI: 1/ Satya Nadella is out there, hedging his AI bets right, left and centre. The latest move from him is getting @inflectionAI’s co-founder @mustafasuleyman to join and head @Microsoft’s new AI division. Our summary: https://t.co/me4pYPmwfL In brief, there are three…
Here's why Microsoft’s surprise deal with $4 billion startup Inflection is the most important non-acquisition in AI. https://t.co/lh8k8j0zwH
The latest moves by Microsoft, Apple and Google show that AI remains Big Tech's game. https://t.co/T4Hu9Va1Oy
The surprise takeover of promising AI startup Inflection shows how quickly innovation is being captured by a handful of tech players, @parmy writes https://t.co/0nOdC0vZzj via @opinion
Here are today's AI headlines: [1] Former Google DeepMind Co-founder Takes Helm at Microsoft's New AI Division [2] Stability AI Unveils Breakthrough in Video Technology with Stable Video 3D (SV3D) [3] Google DeepMind Teams Up with Liverpool FC to Revolutionize Soccer Strategy…
$MSFT (+0.1% pre) Inflection AI Plans Pivot After Most Employees Go to Microsoft - BBG https://t.co/jINB6tWAgn
Microsoft poaches Inflection chief in push to dominate consumer AI https://t.co/SeDKDglipU
Keep an eye out for new PCs, including the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. https://t.co/0gouVsxfBD
Inflection: Investors will make only a small profit (“investors they will fully recoup their investment, and more”), “company struggled to find an effective use-case or business model for its consumer product”. “Microsoft is not buying any assets, only hiring workers” Not a big… https://t.co/HDi0vroIkS
'This was basically an acquisition of Inflection without having to go through regulatory approval. It would be easy to see Microsoft offering Inflection employees the equivalent equity to Inflection’s last round (priced at $4B I believe)." Satya Nadella may be savviest tech… https://t.co/hD5BbCoY5i
New w @nmasc_: Inflection has made an unusual promise to investors that they'll recoup their investment through sales of the startup's models on Azure (and other clouds). Inflection projects costs will be lower after most of its staff join Microsoft https://t.co/FHj6Yv6aJN
New details on an unusual aspect within Inflection's next chapter. Investors have been promised they're going to be made whole (and then some) as part but will also retain existing stakes after the payout. w/ @aaronpholmes https://t.co/gxPMR4hi5g
After raising $1.3B, Inflection is eaten alive by its biggest investor, Microsoft | TechCrunch https://t.co/CqUUAqQeWX
A bit more detail on the Inflection / Microsoft news: sources tell me at @Forbes that there's an undisclosed financial component to Inflection's licensing its API to Microsoft, providing a path for Inflection investors to be made whole over time. https://t.co/NzCeT67uXX
Microsoft poaches 'relentless' former Google executive in ongoing AI arms race https://t.co/bYzywaBVnk
Funny to see what Microsoft learned from the OpenAI saga last fall - easiest way to evade antitrust scrutiny on an acquisition the @FTC might have looked askance at is to just buy all the parts separately: https://t.co/qbiWXk6R1G
My read on this Microsoft AI situation, is that in months following OpenAI board room coup drama and new revelations about Sam Altman, Microsoft leadership got privately spooked by how utterly and subtly manipulative and two-faced Sam Altman actually is (unless Microsoft C-suite https://t.co/nNYSMjqttB
|between the lines| Microsoft trying to diversify its OpenAI risk/exposure by partna-hiring the Inflection AI founders https://t.co/TuSlMz7Ck6
New details from me on the state of Inflection: -The company will keep its proprietary tech -Licensing its model to MSFT, potentially others as it shifts to B2B biz -Investors will be made whole, according to a source https://t.co/jMMSrukaik
Microsoft hits Inflection point, peels off top personnel to form AI division https://t.co/AwWLMRJVDV
Inflection AI raised more than $1.5 billion from investors before two of its co-founders and most of its staff were hired by Microsoft https://t.co/7La022SrdR
Microsoft CEO hedges OpenAI bet, launches new AI organization https://t.co/fIXJYCo3QW
Microsoft Continues To Diversify From OpenAI Inflection AI didn't work out as a consumer AI company. It is pivoting into an API company with its LLMs offered on Azure and the founders leaving to run an MSFT division. Azure is clearly diversifying from OpenAI. First, they did a…
Between OpenAI and now Inflection leadership hiring + simultaneous Inflection partnership, it feels like there's some expert antitrust avoidance on the part of Microsoft going on here.
After raising $1.3B, Inflection got eaten alive by its biggest investor, Microsoft https://t.co/bmLpeHW03P
After raising $1.3B, Inflection got eaten alive by its biggest investor, Microsoft: https://t.co/QPtNz9ykhF by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
Microsoft Bulks Up Its AI Management Team. An AI Start-Up Loses Its CEO and Chief Scientist. https://t.co/XvxYpSgV9w
AI unicorn Inflection raised $1.3 billion just last year. Now, it's abandoning its challenge to OpenAI's ChatGPT, while CEO Mustafa Suleyman jumps ship for Microsoft to run its new consumer AI unit. What just happened?? My reaction story in @Forbes: https://t.co/ejQTKxpxSA
Just two weeks after Inflection's Pi 2.5 is announced -- the execs leave to start "Microsoft AI" division. Apparently Microsoft balked at acquisition given $4B valuation on last raise. https://t.co/vfXKEshF3y https://t.co/sR1nkuDZoe https://t.co/E73qx2H3is
MSFT just showed their true colours with that latest AI hire
Jensen did not mention Inflection at all during the Nvidia event to my knowledge That stuck out like a sore thumb Now we know why The CEO raised a yard and left to join MSFT LLMs are cash guzzlers What does this mean for the valuation of OpenAI and Anthropic and Perplexity? https://t.co/WjIdo1g3BO
Nvidia did not mention Inflection at all during the Nvidia event to my knowledge That stuck out like a sore thumb Now we know why The CEO raised a yard and left to join MSFT LLMs are cash guzzlers What does this mean for the valuation of OpenAI and Anthropic and Perplexity? https://t.co/WjIdo1g3BO