In a striking move highlighting the tech giant’s commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) development, Microsoft has announced the appointment of Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, as the head of its new AI division. Suleyman, who left Google in 2022, will now lead Microsoft’s efforts in consumer products and research in the AI space.
This development comes as part of Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its consumer AI efforts under one umbrella. The new division will also see the integration of employees from Suleyman’s previous venture, Inflection AI.
Microsoft’s foray into generative AI technology through its investment in OpenAI has positioned the company as a leader in the field. Last year, Inflection AI raised a substantial $1.3 billion from Microsoft and Nvidia, further solidifying the tech giant’s commitment to AI research and development.
Suleyman, who recently published a book on AI, emphasizing the importance of research on AI safety and potential risks, will be joined by his co-founder, Karen Simonyan, who will serve as the chief scientist of the new unit.
Meanwhile, Google has announced its own expansion in AI-related efforts, while Apple is reportedly in talks to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI product into the iPhone, signaling a growing trend towards AI integration in consumer technology.
With these developments, Microsoft is poised to make significant strides in the AI space, leveraging its resources and talent to drive innovation and shape the future of AI technology. AI enthusiasts and industry watchers are eagerly anticipating the impact of these strategic moves on the broader tech landscape.