Microsoft Build 2026: The 7 Biggest Announcements
The Verge AI1h agoReleaseMicrosoft opened Build 2026 with a keynote led by CEO Satya Nadella and other company leaders. The event includes announcements spanning new Surface hardware, an always-on personal assistant, and updates across Microsoft's in-house AI models. The article is framed as a quick roundup of seven major announcements for readers who missed the live event, but the provided excerpt does not list them individually.
Microsoft launches Scout, an OpenClaw-inspired personal assistant
TechCrunch AI2h agoNew ToolMicrosoft introduced Scout at Build as a new AI personal assistant for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. The product is inspired by OpenClaw and is intended to bring similar power and flexibility into Microsoft's productivity environment. The provided source excerpt does not specify Scout's features, availability, pricing, supported platforms, or rollout timeline.
Microsoft Scout is a new AI personal assistant built on OpenClaw
The Verge AI2h agoNew ToolMicrosoft is launching Scout, an always-on AI personal assistant built on OpenClaw. It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps including Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams, enabling businesses to assign virtual assistants to employees. Mentioned tasks include calendar organization, expense reporting, and drafting emails, while the supplied excerpt does not fully explain how Scout differs from Copilot.
I put Google’s 24/7 AI assistant Gemini Spark to work, and it’s useful
TechCrunch AI3d agoNew ToolTechCrunch tested Google’s 24/7 AI assistant Gemini Spark and found it genuinely useful for everyday automation. The article highlights tasks such as inbox summaries and local event planning, suggesting Google is pushing Gemini toward a more persistent assistant experience. Still, the author questions why Google chose to make Gemini Spark a separate product instead of folding it into existing Gemini or Google services.
Sneak peek at new Siri app reveals Apple’s plans to take on ChatGPT and more
TechCrunch AI5d agoReleaseTechCrunch reports that new renders provide a closer look at Apple’s planned AI overhaul for iOS 27. The preview points to a redesigned Siri experience and a standalone Siri app, suggesting Apple may reposition Siri as a more central AI interface. The article frames the move as part of Apple’s effort to compete with ChatGPT, though the provided text does not specify models, features, APIs, or launch details.
These new iOS 27 renders hint at Siri’s big redesign
The Verge AI5d agoReleaseThe Verge reports that Bloomberg renders offer an early look at Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul for iOS 27. The redesigned assistant appears to move toward a ChatGPT-style app and chat interface, with Apple’s Liquid Glass visual language layered on top. The images are based on information Bloomberg reviewed and sources familiar with Apple’s plans, so they should be treated as previews rather than official Apple assets.