Microsoft is working on its own new OS for devices that run AI assistants, and it could be a major rival to Google’s Gemini for Home and Alexa.
Project Solara, as Microsoft is calling it, is a new software platform that’s intended to run on “a diverse ecosystem of agent-first devices” both small and large.
At its Build conference, the company is pitching it as the next evolution of computing, with Project Solara facilitating “new types of computers that are more specific, more contextual, and closer to where they add value.”
Microsoft
Microsoft’s vision of the future involves multiple AI agents rather than a single all-encompassing super-agent. “Just like no single app could replace Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, no single agent can meet every need,” it states.
Project Solara is intended to bring these multiple agents together into a single coherent experience.
On a more prosaic level, what really jumps out here is that Project Solara is not based on Windows, but rather Google’s own Android (known as Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform).
Microsoft
Project Solara concept devices
Microsoft has showcased its new OS running on two concept devices. One is a smart display like the Amazon Echo Show or the Google Nest Hub (or possible Google Home Display).
The other was a so-called “Badge Concept”, taking the form of a wearable ID lanyard with a built-in screen, camera and fingerprint sensor. You would be able to use the latter to transcribe conversations, while the camera will supply visual recognition.
Microsoft
It’s worth noting that Microsoft itself doesn’t envisage building such devices, and wants to leave this to third-party manufacturers (similar to the existing PC and laptop markets). It seems AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Healthcare and Target are all running pilot hardware schemes.
It’ll employ both local and cloud processing, and Microsoft says that it’s working with MediaTek and Qualcomm to produce the necessary silicon for these lightweight AI agent-running devices.
It’s all queuing up an almighty AI assistant platform scrap between Gemini for Home, Alexa, and now Microsoft’s Project Solara. How very 2026.
