Microsoft's AI Update, OpenAI's Voice API, LiquidAI's Models, Kaseya's FedRAMP Push

[00:00:02] It's Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, and I'm Doof SOMAL, three things to note today.

[00:00:07] Windows 11 Update brings AI features as Microsoft exits the mixed reality hardware market with HoloLens.

[00:00:15] OpenAI expands voice integration with a real-time API while LiquidAI launches efficient non-transformer models,

[00:00:23] and Kaseyas aims for FedRAMP authorization as service leadership opens their IT compensation survey.

[00:00:31] This is the Business of Tech.

[00:00:34] Microsoft has announced the role out of Windows 11 version 24H2,

[00:00:38] which includes new features such as AI-powered capabilities, HDR background support,

[00:00:43] enhanced energy saver, improved Bluetooth, LE audio support, and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

[00:00:49] The update also introduces Sudo for Windows, integrates rust into the Windows kernel,

[00:00:55] and enhances various system functionalities. The role out will begin in the coming weeks for

[00:01:01] eligible devices and businesses are encouraged to ensure compatibility with their applications

[00:01:05] and infrastructure. Additionally, the update will remove certain applications like Cortana and Wordpad.

[00:01:13] And so speaking of the AI features, Microsoft has introduced new upgrades to its co-pilot AI,

[00:01:19] including features for natural voice interaction, daily news summarization, and enhanced

[00:01:25] analytical capabilities through Copilot Labs. P-Fectures include Copilot Voice for intuitive

[00:01:31] communication, Copilot Daily for new summaries and new beta features like Copilot Vision for screen analysis

[00:01:39] and think deeper for complex question handling. Microsoft aims to refine these tools while

[00:01:44] addressing privacy concerns and compliance with regulations, particularly in the EU.

[00:01:50] And Microsoft Office 2024 is now available for max and PCs as a standalone version,

[00:01:56] offering updates to Word, Excel PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook without requiring a Microsoft

[00:02:01] 365 subscription. Microsoft has removed support for Windows Mix reality headsets in Windows 11 24H2,

[00:02:09] rendering them unusable, including popular models like HP's Reverb G2. However, users who remain

[00:02:17] on Windows 11 version 23H2 can continue to use their MR devices with steam until November

[00:02:24] 2026. Microsoft's ending production of the HoloLens 2 Mix reality headsets with a final call

[00:02:32] for purchases until stock runs out. The device will receive security updates until December 31,

[00:02:38] 2021, while the first generation HoloLens will stop receiving support after December 10 this year.

[00:02:45] Despite past rumors of a HoloLens 3, the project has been scrapped. Microsoft is now focusing

[00:02:51] on a partnership with meta shifting its XR strategy towards software integration with meta's

[00:02:57] quest headsets. The company will continue to invest in mixed reality through software solutions

[00:03:02] and maintain its commitment to the integrated visual augmentation system program

[00:03:07] for the US Department of Defense, which is still under development and has a significant contract

[00:03:13] in place. Why do we care? The growing emphasis on AI features illustrates how Microsoft is

[00:03:20] positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven productivity tools. Righty services this trend

[00:03:26] towards embedding AI into daily workflows represents the primary opportunity. A remain convinced

[00:03:33] the preparedness for these features is where to focus, and that's in data and data management.

[00:03:39] Customers aren't ready to be effective with these tools in meaningful ways

[00:03:43] without their data story being clean. Microsoft is throwing in the towel on hardware focused

[00:03:48] XR. Microsoft exits just as meta showcases. I don't believe one caused the other.

[00:03:56] This is an opportunity to assist clients in reassessing their XR strategies,

[00:04:01] particularly for long-term projects in industries like training, healthcare or defense

[00:04:05] if they have one. And it's reasonable to decide that they may not have one.

[00:04:11] And don't forget, the installed software package isn't dead.

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[00:05:08] Open AI has introduced a public beta of its real-time API, allowing developers to create applications

[00:05:13] that facilitate natural, back and forth conversations with AI chat bots. The new API supports

[00:05:20] low latency, multi-modal features, and enhanced voice interactions enabling seamless communication

[00:05:25] across languages. Based on its advanced voice mode, this allows app developers to integrate human-like

[00:05:32] voice interactions into their products. Open AI plans to expand the API's capabilities,

[00:05:38] including new modalities and increased rate limits, while it's currently being tested by

[00:05:43] applications like healthify and speak for personalized coaching and language learning experiences.

[00:05:51] Liquid AI, a startup from MIT researchers has launched its liquid foundation models or LFMs,

[00:05:58] which are non-transformer AI models that outperform traditional transformer-based models in performance

[00:06:04] and memory efficiency. The LFMs come in three sizes are designed for various applications,

[00:06:11] including financial services and biotechnology. They utilize a unique architecture based on

[00:06:16] dynamical systems and signal processing, allowing for efficient processing of sequential data.

[00:06:23] Liquid AI invites early adopters to test the models before a full launch event on October 23,

[00:06:29] 2024. Why do we care? IT service providers working with clients in customer-facing industries

[00:06:36] like retail, telemedicine and financial services will want to explore the integration of AI-powered

[00:06:41] voice solutions. Years ago, I predicted voice would become a major user interface of the future.

[00:06:48] I may have just been wrong about the timing. Broadlay, the introduction of these more efficient

[00:06:54] models could translate into lower infrastructure costs, requires running large-scale AI applications.

[00:07:00] That's a differentiator more than larger training sets. Current leading models are based on the

[00:07:05] transformer architecture and this could be a sign of some new competition and innovation.

[00:07:12] Kaseya has announced its commitment to achieve a Fed ramp authorization for its IT

[00:07:17] complete platform, aiming to support managed services providers with compliance requirements like

[00:07:22] CMMC. The company is investing multi-million dollars and is appointed John DeParo as VP of Fed

[00:07:30] ramp and compliance solutions to lead the initiative, achieving Fed ramp authorization

[00:07:35] will enhance compliance for MSPs working with the Department of Defense and create new business

[00:07:40] opportunities. Service leadership has opened submissions for its annual IT solution provider

[00:07:46] compensation survey which will run from October 1, to November 30, 2024. The survey aims

[00:07:52] to provide IT solution providers with insights into compensation trends across various roles,

[00:07:58] dressing challenges in employee recruitment and retention. Participants will receive

[00:08:02] it comprehensive report in early 2025 including new data on employee attrition rates

[00:08:08] and compensation benchmarks to help organizations optimize their recruitment strategies.

[00:08:14] Why do we care? Kaseya's announcement is both vapor. It's just an announcement that they've

[00:08:19] started the process, not completed it, and significant as the first to say they're trying.

[00:08:26] Compliance with Fed ramp is a major hurdle for MSPs targeting government contracts

[00:08:30] without coming CMMC compliance requirements that hurdle grows. If Kaseya remains on challenge

[00:08:37] to ear, it will be significant. I do encourage providers to submit their information to service

[00:08:42] leadership that's been a valuable resource and want to I've referenced on the show.

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[00:09:34] Thanks for listening. Today is National Fried Scalops Day and it's National Kale Day,

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