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Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott discusses the company's new AI assistant tools called co-pilots, including GitHub co-pilot and Windows terminal co-pilot. These tools utilize large foundation models to assist users in their coding and cognitive work. The conversation explores the architecture and user interface patterns of co-pilots, which aim to make computing more accessible and assistive. While the models currently require steering and alignment, future advancements may lead to more natural interactions. The discussion also touches on the partnerships and guidelines to ensure safety and avoid malicious usage of these AI capabilities.
The conversation explores the impact of AI on creative industries and whether compensation should be provided to artists whose work is used in training data. Kevin Scott emphasizes the importance of compensating creative individuals fairly for their work. He envisions a future where AI technologies, particularly co-pilots, empower and assist creative individuals rather than replacing them. Microsoft aims to build a platform that encourages the creation of assistive tools and makes AI-powered capabilities accessible to a broader audience.
The discussion briefly touches on the topic of artificial general intelligence (AGI). While some believe that AGI is just a few years away, Kevin Scott maintains that the timeline remains uncertain. The conversation highlights the need for a clear definition of AGI and the varying interpretations of what it entails. As advancements in AI continue, the focus shifts towards leveraging the power of AI technologies, such as co-pilots, to tackle significant challenges and make a positive impact on society.
Microsoft's decision to partner with OpenAI was driven by their goal to create a platform that meets the needs of ambitious AI practitioners. They believed that collaborating with an external partner would provide an unbiased perspective and help them push the boundaries of AI development. The initial partnership focused on scaling AI supercomputing and exploring a new approach to machine learning models. While there were some disagreements on the approach, overall, the partnership has been successful in developing core AI technology.
Microsoft's AI division is structured across various teams within the company, including Cloud and AI, Bing, Experiences and Devices, and Microsoft Research. Each team has its unique role in AI development, ranging from infrastructure to application-focused solutions. Decision-making is primarily driven by evidence-based investment, where projects with quantifiable benefits and business impact receive the majority of resources. The company also allocates resources for innovative and counterintuitive projects, aiming to identify potential breakthroughs. Cross-team collaboration and regular reviews ensure alignment and adherence to responsible AI standards.
Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott oversees the company's AI efforts, including its big partnership with OpenAI and ChatGPT. Kevin and I spoke ahead of his keynote talk at Microsoft Build, the company’s annual developer conference, where he showed off the company’s new AI assistant tools, which Microsoft calls Copilots. Microsoft is big into Copilots. GitHub Copilot is already helping millions of developers write code, and now, the company is adding Copilots to everything from Office to the Windows Terminal.
Basically, if there’s a text box, Microsoft thinks AI can help you fill it out, and Microsoft has a long history of assistance like this. You might remember Clippy from the ’90s. Well, AI Super Clippy is here.
Microsoft is building these Copilots in collaboration with OpenAI, and Kevin manages that partnership. I wanted to ask Kevin why Microsoft decided to partner with a startup instead of building the AI tech internally, where the two companies disagree, how they resolve any differences, and what Microsoft is choosing to build for itself instead of relying on OpenAI. Kevin controls the entire GPU budget at Microsoft. I wanted to know how he decides to spend it.
We also talked about what happened when Bing tried to get New York Times columnist Kevin Roose to leave his wife. Like I said, this episode has a little bit of everything. Okay. Kevin Scott, CTO and executive vice president of AI at Microsoft. Here we go.
Links:
Kevin Scott on Vergecast in 2020
GitHub Copilot gets a new ChatGPT-like assistant to help developers write and fix code - The Verge
Hackers made Iran's nuclear computers blast AC/DC - The Verge
Microsoft resurrects Clippy again after brutally killing him off in Microsoft Teams - The Verge
Google’s Sundar Pichai talks Search, AI, and dancing with Microsoft - The Verge
Congress hates Big Tech — but it still seems optimistic about AI - The Verge
Hollywood writers to strike over low wages caused by streaming boom. - The Verge
Sal Khan: How AI could save (not destroy) education | TED Talk
Why a Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled - The New York Times
Responsible AI principles from Microsoft
Microsoft has been secretly testing its Bing chatbot ‘Sydney’ for years - The Verge
Transcript: https://www.theverge.com/e/23497429
Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Today’s episode was produced by Jackie McDermott and Raghu Manavalan, and it was edited by Callie Wright.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Sr. Audio Director is Andrew Marino, our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters, and our Executive Producer is Eleanor Donovan.
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