What Is Project Volterra and Why Is Microsoft Building It?
Never far behind the trends, Microsoft’s Project Volterra has entered the AI spotlight.
But what is Project Volterra, what are Microsoft’s motivations for backing it, and its potential significance for the future of AI research and integration?
Project Volterra Is Microsoft’s Answer to AI Integration for Windows Applications
Project Volterra (a code name forMicrosoft’s Windows Dev Kit 2023) is a Windows development kit designed to help developers build apps that leverage the power of AI using a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) built by Qualcomm. It’s part of Microsoft’s “Hybrid Loop” of computing, which is cross-platform application development for building artificial intelligence applications.
The Windows Dev Kit 2023 is a barebones mini PC, which comes without a display, keyboard, or trackpad, similar to the Mac Mini. The product is made with 20% recycled ocean plastic and is available for $599 in theMicrosoft Store. Its specifications include the following:
The device can be connected to up to three displays simultaneously, including two at 4K 60Hz. The NPU will enable developers to take advantage of features such as eye correction, background blur, and voice clarity in their apps.
Why Invest in Project Volterra & AI Development?
Microsoft’s investment in Project Volterra and AI development underscores the company’s strategic alignment with the growing trend of AI integration across various sectors.
“Increasingly, magical experiences powered by AI will require enormous levels of processing power beyond the capabilities of traditional CPU and GPU alone,” states aWindows Developer Blog post. “But new silicon-like neural processing units (NPUs) will add expanded capacity for key AI workloads.”
By equipping developers with tools like this, Microsoft is setting a path for more sophisticated, AI-embedded applications on its platform. Microsoft’s vision is for Volterra to drive AI adoption among developers and create a more intelligent, efficient, and personalized user experience across Windows applications.
What’s Next for Microsoft & Volterra?
Through the Windows Dev Kit 2023 and its focus on AI integration, Microsoft aims to empower developers to create innovative applications that seamlessly integrate into users' lives. As Microsoft continues to invest in Project Volterra, we can expect significant advancements in how we interact with technology and its impact on our daily lives. Exciting times lie ahead as Microsoft paves the way for the future of technology integration and AI development.
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