All right, so Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft,
just made a pretty big statement in London.
He's saying that AI agents are gonna be as common
as apps on our phones.
Wow, that's a...
Can you imagine that?
That is a bold vision.
It's like we're on the cusp of like a whole new era
of how we use technology.
Exactly, and you know,
Microsoft's AI assistant co-pilot,
it's getting a huge upgrade.
We're talking way beyond like setting reminders
or playing your favorite playlist.
It's like having a whole team of specialized assistants
each with their own skill set.
Oh, wow.
You know, Nadella actually called it
a constellation of AI helpers.
A constellation, that's a cool way to think about it.
Yeah.
But how does this actually work?
Like what can these AI agents do for us?
Well, think about all the tasks that you do
on your phone or your computer every day, you know?
Sure.
Scheduling meetings, booking travel,
researching information, responding to emails.
Yeah.
These are all things AI agents
could potentially handle for you.
So it's like having a personal assistant
who's also like a tech whiz.
Exactly.
Clay.
But here's where it gets really interesting.
Microsoft unveiled a new tool called co-pilot studio.
Co-pilot studio, what's the deal with that?
It's like a factory for building your own AI agents.
Oh, wow.
And the best part is you don't need
to be a coding expert to use it.
That's pretty cool.
Nadella compared it to building a simple spreadsheet.
So you're telling me that I could create my own AI agent
even if I don't know anything about coding.
That's the idea that Microsoft wants to empower anyone
to create AI solutions that are tailored
to their specific needs.
Okay.
I am intrigued, but I need a real world example.
How are businesses actually using these AI agents?
Well, there's a really fascinating case study
featuring McKinsey.
McKinsey.
Yeah, the global consulting giant.
Wow.
They've built an AI agent that's revolutionizing
how they onboard new clients.
Onboard, so you mean like all that paperwork
and back and forth at the beginning of a project?
Exactly.
It's often a very time consuming and tedious process.
Yes.
But McKinsey's AI agent is able to automate
a huge chunk of it.
And they're seeing a 90% reduction in lead time.
90%, that's incredible.
It is.
But what does that actually look like?
What's the AI doing?
Well, think of it as like a super efficient assistant
who's gathering all the necessary client information,
performing initial risk assessments,
and even generating preliminary reports.
Wow.
Tasks that used to take weeks
are now being done in a matter of days.
So it's not just saving time,
it's actually changing the whole dynamic
of the client relationship.
Exactly, and that's just one example.
Microsoft is also rolling out 10 new pre-built AI agents
for their Dynamics 365 business software.
So they're giving businesses a head start
with ready made AI solutions.
Very clever.
Yeah, very clever.
And these agents cover a wide range of functions
from sales and marketing to finance
and supply chain management.
Okay, so let's zoom in on one of these pre-built agents.
Okay.
Give me an example that would be useful for, say,
a sales team.
Well, imagine a sales team that's drowning in leads.
They're trying to figure out which ones are most likely
to convert into actual customers.
That's where the sales qualification agent comes in.
Okay, so this AI agent helps them prioritize leads.
Exactly, it automatically researches potential clients,
analyzes their data,
and flags the most promising prospects.
Wow.
Even drafts personalized emails
for sales people to send out.
So it's like having a research assistant
and a marketing guru all rolled into one.
That's a great way to put it.
And the results speak for themselves.
Microsoft claims that their internal sales teams
are closing 20% more deals
thanks to co-pilot and these AI agents.
20% more deals, that's significant.
It is, and it highlights how AI is becoming a game changer
for businesses looking to increase efficiency
and productivity.
Okay, so Microsoft is clearly walking the walk
using these AI tools themselves.
But what about the bigger picture?
How are they envisioning AI transform the world
beyond just big businesses?
Well, Nadella highlighted a partnership
with the UK government to bring AI to the public sector.
He talked about using AI to improve healthcare education
and even energy efficiency.
So AI isn't just for corporations,
it has the potential to benefit society as a whole.
Exactly, and it's not just talk.
Data from LinkedIn shows a massive increase
in AI skills globally.
Really?
People are recognizing the potential of this technology
and investing in learning how to use it.
It's fascinating.
It sounds like we're on the cusp of a major shift
with AI becoming like a fundamental part of our lives,
both professionally and personally.
Yeah.
But there must be challenges too, right?
Building and implementing AI on this scale can't be easy.
You're absolutely right.
Nadella acknowledged those challenges,
talking about the need for robust data management systems
and better developer tools to support
the development of AI agents.
Yeah.
He gave us a glimpse into the massive infrastructure
Microsoft is building, from Azure cloud computing
to advancements in their developer platforms.
So it's like they're laying the groundwork
for a whole new technological ecosystem
with AI agents at the center.
Precisely, but it also raises some questions.
How do we ensure that these powerful AI tools
are used ethically and responsibly?
Right.
To prevent bias and discrimination in AI algorithms.
Those are big questions.
Yeah.
And honestly, a whole other deep dive.
Right.
But for now, it seems clear that understanding AI agents
and their implications is going to be crucial in the years
to come.
Absolutely.
As Nadella emphasized, this isn't science fiction anymore.
These AI tools are being used right now
today to solve real world problems and boost
productivity across various industries.
Yeah.
The key takeaway is the AI revolution is happening.
It is.
And it's time to get on board.
I like that.
Yeah.
It's time to get on board.
Yeah.
OK.
So we've covered a lot of ground here.
We have.
We've talked about the potential of AI agents
to revolutionize how we work, how we live.
But as with any new technology, there are also risks
and challenges that need to be addressed.
Right.
We've just scratched the surface here.
We have.
But I think it's clear that AI agents
are going to be a major force in the years to come.
It seems that way.
And it's going to be fascinating to see how this technology
continues to evolve.
It is going to be very interesting to see what happens next.
Absolutely.
All right.
So in the next part of our deep dive,
we're going to take a closer look at the issue of trust in AI.
OK.
How can we ensure that these powerful AI systems are
developed and used responsibly?
Right.
We'll explore the ethical considerations,
the potential biases, and the safeguards
that are being put in place to mitigate those risks.
That's really important.
It is.
So stay tuned for part two of our deep dyes
into the world of AI agents.
Great.
Yeah.
It's fascinating, isn't it?
We've gone from AI being this thing that's
working behind the scenes to now it's front and center.
Yeah.
It's almost like AI is graduating from tool to teammate.
That is a great analogy.
And just like with any good teammate, trust is essential.
That makes sense.
You need to be able to rely on your AI teammates
to know they're giving you accurate information
and making the right decisions.
Exactly.
And that's why Nadella really emphasized
this idea of trustworthy AI.
It's not enough to just build these powerful systems.
We also need to make sure they're being developed
and used responsibly.
So how does Microsoft plan to build this trust?
Like what are they doing to address those concerns
about ethics and responsibility?
They're really focusing on three key areas.
OK.
Security, privacy, and AI safety.
OK.
So in terms of security, they're
implementing really rigorous testing
to prevent things like prompt injections.
Prompt injections?
What are those?
Imagine someone trying to trick an AI into doing something
it shouldn't.
Oh, OK.
Like finding a back door into the system.
OK.
So Microsoft is building safeguards
to catch these injections before they can cause any harm.
That's reassuring.
So what about privacy?
How are they protecting our data in this world of AI agents?
Privacy is paramount.
Microsoft is using something called confidential computing
to keep data secure.
OK.
Think of it like your data being processed
inside a locked box.
Even the AI can't see the raw information,
just the results of its analysis.
So even the AI can't snoop on my data.
Exactly.
It's like having an accountant who
can manage your finances without ever seeing your bank
statements.
OK.
That makes me feel a little bit better
about sharing sensitive information with an AI.
But what about this AI safety thing?
Right.
What does that involve?
AI safety is all about making sure
that AI systems behave as intended
and they don't produce any harmful or biased outputs.
OK.
One of the biggest challenges right now with AI
is this thing called hallucination.
Hallucination, like seeing things that aren't there.
Kind of.
It's when an AI just makes things up, presents information
that's not true.
You remember that time when your AI assistant gave you
a recipe?
Yeah.
That included a totally made up ingredient.
Yeah.
We all had a good laugh about that one.
Right.
Well, in that case, it was harmless.
But in other situations, AI hallucinations
could have really serious consequences.
Right.
So Microsoft is developing ways to detect and mitigate
these hallucinations.
Oh, wow.
It's like having the AI double check its own work.
So they're fighting AI fire with fire?
In a way, yes.
It's about creating a layered approach to safety,
using multiple techniques to ensure these AI systems are
reliable and trustworthy.
So it sounds like Microsoft is really
putting a lot of thought and effort
into building responsible AI.
They are.
And they recognize that it's not just
about the technology itself.
Right.
It's also about human oversight and collaboration.
Right.
AI should be augmenting our capabilities,
not replacing us entirely.
Exactly.
It's about creating this partnership between humans
and AI, where each can contribute
their own unique strengths.
So it's not about AI taking over our jobs,
but rather transforming how we work,
making us more efficient and productive.
That's the goal.
And this transformation is already happening.
In addition to those really impressive internal results
that Microsoft shared, they also showcase some really cool
real-world use cases from their partners.
I'd love to hear about those.
How are other companies actually using these AI tools
in practice?
One example that really stood out
was the British Heart Foundation.
They're using Azure Speech Services
to create these incredibly realistic simulations
of emergency calls.
Really?
What's the purpose of that?
They're using these simulations to train people
how to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
Oh, wow.
Like, imagine talking someone through CPR over the phone.
It's a safe and controlled environment
to practice those really critical skills.
So it's like using AI to save lives.
Exactly.
And another great example comes from HSBC,
the global banking giant.
Oh, OK.
They've actually developed AI agents
to streamline their credit approval process.
Oh, that sounds like it would save a ton of time.
I mean, manually reviewing all those loan applications
must be a nightmare.
It is.
And these AI agents can analyze financial data, assess risk
factors, even recommend approval decisions.
Oh, wow.
This frees up human loan officers
to focus on more complex cases or provide more personalized
customer service.
It's amazing to think about how AI is changing
the way banks operate.
Any other cool examples?
Absolutely.
There's Mondra.
It's a fascinating company.
They're building a digital twin for food safety and supply
chain management.
Wow.
They're using AI to track food from the farm
all the way to your table, improving both sustainability
and safety along the way.
That's incredible.
Imagine the impact that could have on reducing food waste
and making sure that the food we eat is actually safe.
It's really impressive.
And then there's Wave.
Wave.
They're a startup taking this really bold AI first approach
to advanced driver assistance systems.
They're using AI to develop self-driving technology that
can learn and adapt to real world driving conditions.
So they're teaching cars to drive themselves.
That sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
It really does.
And all of these examples really highlight
just how diverse the applications for AI agents are.
From health care to finance to transportation,
the possibilities seem endless.
It's mind blowing to think about how much AI is already
changing the world.
But where does it go from here?
What's the next frontier in AI development?
That is the big question, isn't it?
And the Della hinted at the going importance of something
called edge computing in the future of AI.
Edge computing refreshed my memory.
What's that all about?
So in simple terms, it's about bringing that AI processing
power closer to the source of the data.
So instead of relying solely on the cloud,
edge computing allows AI to run directly on devices.
Oh, wow.
Like phones, laptops, even specialized hardware.
So it's like having a mini AI brain right there in your pocket.
You got it.
And this shift to edge computing is being driven by a few factors.
We need faster processing speeds.
We need increased beta privacy.
And also, we need the ability for AI to work,
even when there's no internet connection.
Right.
That makes sense.
So how does edge computing actually fit into this whole idea
of AI agents?
Well, imagine a world where your AI agents can operate
independently on your devices.
Learning from your personal data and your preferences
without having to constantly connect to the cloud.
That sounds both incredibly convenient
and a little bit creepy.
It definitely raises some questions about data ownership
and control.
But it also opens up some really exciting possibilities
for personalized AI experiences.
Like what?
Well, think of an AI assistant that knows you so well.
It can actually anticipate your needs
and seamlessly integrate with your daily routines.
That's pretty wild.
But I can also see some potential downsides.
What if AI gets too personalized?
Could it create these echo chambers
or reinforce existing biases?
You're raising some really valid concerns.
And these are exactly the types of questions
we need to be thinking about as this technology keeps
advancing.
Developing ethical guidelines and safeguards
is going to be crucial to make sure
that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of everyone.
It's a lot to consider.
But one thing's for sure, the future of AI
is going to be anything but boring.
Absolutely.
And Nadella actually left us with a pretty thought-provoking
question to ponder.
Oh, was that?
He asked, what human capabilities
will we uniquely value in an AI-powered world?
Yeah, that is a great question.
It really makes you think about what
it means to be human in a world where AI is becoming so capable.
It does.
It gets to the heart of why Microsoft is betting so heavily
on this technology.
Nadella really believes that AI agents represent
a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology.
We're moving from a world of apps to a world of agents.
So we've talked about the whats of AI agents.
They can automate tasks, analyze data, even interact
with people on our behalf.
But what about the why?
Help me understand this shift.
Why is Microsoft so convinced that agents are the future?
OK, well, think about it this way.
Apps are like tools.
Each one is designed for a specific purpose.
You need to know which tool to use
and how to use it to get the result that you want.
So choosing a hammer to drive a nail or a wrench
to tighten a bolt.
Exactly.
But AI agents are more like skilled craftspeople.
You tell them what you want to achieve,
and they figure out the best way to do it using
the right tools and techniques.
So instead of me having to learn how
to use all these different apps,
the AI agent will just do the work for me.
That's the idea.
It's like having a personal assistant who
knows how to use all the tools in your workshop
and can just handle tasks for you automatically.
OK, I'm starting to see the appeal.
It's like having this team of invisible helpers
that are working behind the scenes to make my life easier.
Precisely, and this shift from apps to agents
has the potential to really transform not just how we work,
but also how we live.
Give me an example.
How could AI agents actually impact our everyday lives
outside of work?
OK, well, imagine your AI agent managing your calendar,
booking appointments, making travel arrangements,
even controlling all your smart home devices,
all based on your preferences and your habits.
So it's like having a personal concierge service
available 24-7.
That's a great way to put it.
And as AI agents become more sophisticated,
they could even handle much more complex tasks,
like financial planning, health care management,
or even personalized education.
That's a pretty amazing vision of the future.
But it also feels like a big leap from where we are today.
Like, how do we get from here to there?
It is a big leap.
And there are certainly challenges and risks to consider.
But Nadella's keynote was a very clear signal
that this is the direction technology is heading.
The AI revolution is happening now,
and it's time to start thinking about how we can prepare
for this future.
So what can we actually do?
Should we all go out and start learning how to code AI agents?
Not necessarily just like, you don't need to be a mechanic
to drive a car.
You don't need to be an AI expert
to benefit from these AI agents.
OK.
The key is to stay informed, be open to new possibilities,
and really start thinking about how AI could enhance
your work and your life.
That's great advice.
Any final thoughts for our listeners
as they kind of ponder this brave new world of AI agents?
You know, Nadella's closing question really stuck with me.
He asked, what human capabilities will we uniquely
value in an AI-powered world?
It's a powerful reminder that as we embrace all these possibilities
that AI offers, we shouldn't lose sight of what makes us human.
That's a perfect note to end on.
So to our listeners, as we continue
to explore the depths of this AI revolution,
remember to stay curious, ask questions,
and challenge assumptions.
Until next time, keep diving.