they are being used by a few hundred Microsoft employees.
Microsoft is developing wearable technology featuring AI-enabled gadgets.
The two concept products were unveiled at its annual developer conference, targeting people who regularly use AI tools in their work.
One is a small portable cube with touch and voice-activated screen that is meant for desks.
Microsoft executive Steven Bathiche said the other was a “wearable access badge” that is designed to hang around the neck or belt loop for quick AI access.
Microsoft did not confirm when the devices would reach the market. The company said current pilots “will inform how these form factors can be built” in future development.
Satya Nadella, Microsoft chief executive, said such gadgets represented a “new form factor” for technology devices. Currently, they are being used by a few hundred Microsoft employees.
Microsoft has previously attempted to break into the wearable devices market.
The company developed a wearable headset, called the Hololens, similar to the Meta Quest or Apple’s Vision Pro headsets.
HoloLens was once set for a US Army contract worth billions of dollars.
But after almost a decade of development and ongoing issues during testing by the military, Microsoft said in 2024 it would stop producing Hololens.
Google is also making another attempt at wearable technology. company recently said it would try again with “smart glasses” more than a decade after Google Glass flop.
In a video demonstrating Microsoft’s AI-driven access badge and desktop device under Project Solara, office workers were shown tapping screens. Agents are essentially AI bots doing tasks somewhat autonomously.
Such agents are widely used by technology workers, including software code assistance. The growth of AI assistance has been cited in tech layoffs affecting thousands of workers.
The devices connect to Microsoft software and PCs, enabling AI agent interaction beyond laptops.
While the access badge is meant to be worn, Bathiche said it “is lightweight and designed for agent interactions on the go.”
Nadella was shown wearing the access badge on a lanyard in recorded video.
The badge includes a small integrated camera for environmental awareness features.
Bathiche said in a blog post the camera allows agents “to better understand and help take action on the environment around them”.
Cameras on AI devices like Meta smart glasses have faced scrutiny over recording and privacy concerns.
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