Microsoft Introduces In-House AI Models With First Reasoning System at Build 2026
4 verified6 unconfirmed
At its Build 2026 conference, Microsoft announced a slate of new in-house AI models, marking a continued shift away from its previous reliance on OpenAI’s technology. Among the seven models unveiled was MAI-Thinking-1, described as Microsoft’s first reasoning model. The company also introduced models focused on image generation, transcription, voice, and coding. The announcements reflect Microsoft’s push to develop its own AI capabilities across multiple domains. The models are intended for applications including software development, content creation, and enterprise productivity. Microsoft has been expanding its AI portfolio as it competes with other tech giants in the AI space.
What’s verified
Microsoft announced seven new in-house AI models at its Build 2026 conference.
The models include MAI-Thinking-1, described as the company’s first reasoning model.
Additional models focus on image generation, transcription, voice, and coding.
The announcements reflect Microsoft’s increased efforts to develop its own AI models, moving away from dependence on OpenAI.
Not yet confirmed
Specific technical specifications for the MAI-Thinking-1 model, including 35 billion active parameters and a 128K context window, were provided by one report, while another source described it as a medium-sized model that matches leading models on software engineering benchmarks.
A description of an open-source testing framework called ASSERT, which uses natural language to generate AI behavior tests, was reported by a single source.
Details about new hardware including the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, Project Solara, and a quantum computing chip called Majorana 2 were each reported by only one source.
The announcement of an always-on AI assistant named Scout was covered in a single report.
Microsoft’s renegotiation of its deal with OpenAI to loosen ties was mentioned by one source.
Information on specific model names and capabilities (MAI-Image 2.5, MAI-Transcribe-1.5, MAI-Voice-2, MAI-Code-1-Flash) came from a single source.
Key figures
Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI at Microsoft
Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft
Sources: TechCrunch, The Verge
