Microsoft is experimenting with AI {hardware} that workplace staff may put on like an entry badge.
At Microsoft Build 2026, the corporate confirmed two Project Solara idea units. One is a small desk show, and the opposite is a wearable AI badge for workplace staff who use brokers in the course of the day. The badge features a contact display screen, digicam, and fingerprint scanner, whereas the desk system can floor Microsoft 365 data and reply to voice enter.
Microsoft exhibits AI units for agent-based work
Microsoft described Project Solara as a “chip-to-cloud platform” designed for “agent-first experiences” and new system kind components. The firm mentioned the platform is supposed to assist units that carry brokers into office duties, environments, and workflows.
The wearable badge is roughly the dimensions of an workplace entry card. It could be worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothes. In a Build demonstration, Microsoft govt Steven Bathiche activated the badge with a fingerprint and requested it to take photographs of the viewers and ship them for overview.
The digicam lets brokers “better understand and help take action on the environment around them,” Bathiche mentioned in a Microsoft weblog submit cited by BBC.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella referred to as the units a “new form factor” for computing, in accordance with the BBC.
The desk idea resembles a small good show for workplace use. It can present data from Microsoft 365 providers reminiscent of Outlook and Excel, settle for voice instructions, and join customers to AI brokers outdoors a standard PC interface.
Microsoft has not introduced launch dates or pricing for both system.
Reference designs, not completed merchandise
Microsoft positioned the units as reference designs fairly than business merchandise it plans to ship itself. The firm famous that the present pilots will assist decide how these kind components could possibly be constructed sooner or later.
The Verge reported that Microsoft doesn’t plan to promote the 2 idea units immediately. Instead, it hopes {hardware} makers will use Solara as a place to begin for enterprise AI devices.
Engadget additionally mentioned that Qualcomm and MediaTek partnered with Microsoft on the reference designs. The platform can also be anticipated to assist totally different kind components and parts.
Microsoft highlighted that Project Solara makes use of Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform, an enterprise-grade working system constructed on AOSP. It is designed to assist system deployment, safety, privateness, and administration by instruments reminiscent of Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, and Windows Hello for Business.
The Verge additionally talked about that firms, together with AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, and Target, are anticipated to pilot Solara units.
Privacy and administration questions stay
The badge idea arrives as AI wearables face scrutiny over cameras, microphones, knowledge retention, and consent. In places of work, a tool that may report conversations, transcribe conferences, or seize pictures may elevate considerations about compliance and worker privateness.
Microsoft has tried office {hardware} earlier than, together with HoloLens, which the corporate stopped producing in 2024 after years of growth and testing challenges.
Still, Project Solara exhibits how Microsoft is considering the following stage of office AI. Instead of maintaining brokers tied to apps, browsers, and PCs, the corporate is testing units that might make AI instruments extra moveable and visual in each day work.
Read extra about how Meta is reportedly growing an AI pendant as a part of a broader wearable {hardware} push that features good glasses and office instruments.
