Microsoft is embarking on a transformative journey to empower and upskill developers in India through its latest initiative, the AI Odyssey. With artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the landscape of work and daily life, there is a growing need for a proficient workforce in India capable of harnessing AI to address intricate challenges and add value to various sectors.
The AI Odyssey program, unveiled by Microsoft, aims to train 100,000 developers in India in cutting-edge AI technologies and tools. This comprehensive initiative provides participants with a holistic learning experience, enabling them to acquire and showcase the essential skills required for executing pivotal projects utilizing AI technologies aligned with business objectives.
To participate in AI Odyssey, developers can register on aka.ms/AIOdyssey and access a variety of learning modules and resources. The month-long program is open to all AI enthusiasts in India, regardless of their level of experience or background. Participants must complete two levels of challenges by January 31, 2024.
The first level focuses on educating participants on utilizing Azure AI services to create and deploy AI solutions for diverse scenarios. This phase provides access to valuable resources, code samples, and guides to help developers master practical AI skills.
The second level of the program challenges participants to showcase their AI proficiency by completing an online assessment with interactive lab tasks. Successful completion earns them Microsoft Applied Skills credentials, a verifiable recognition of their ability to solve real-world problems using AI.
Those who complete both levels stand a chance to win a VIP Pass for the Microsoft AI Tour in Bangalore on February 8, 2024. This unique event highlights the revolutionary impact of generative AI, showcasing new forms of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The AI Tour features keynote sessions, demos, and workshops where developers can learn from Microsoft experts, collaborate with partners, and network with peers.
In tandem with this AI focus, Microsoft has unveiled a dedicated key on Windows 11 laptops and PCs to launch its AI tool, Copilot. The key offers users quick access to Microsoft’s generative AI capabilities. Copilot assists with tasks ranging from shopping and writing to obtaining information and planning travel or meals, serving as a portal to Microsoft’s AI services for over a billion Windows users.
However, amidst these advancements, Microsoft is discontinuing its WordPad application, a feature in Windows operating systems since 1995. The company is removing WordPad from newer builds of Windows, and the app will no longer be reinstallable.
Additionally, Microsoft is set to increase the prices of business software by 6% in India from February 1. This marks the third consecutive year of price adjustments, aligning with the challenging macroeconomic environment. The move is aimed at maintaining pricing consistency between India and the wider Asian region. The revised prices for select online services, such as Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365, will be reflected on Microsoft.com from February 1. Notably, existing orders by business customers under volume licensing agreements for protected products will remain unaffected by these changes.
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