Microsoft puts AI front and center with research overhaul

Microsoft has announced the formation of its AI and Research Group, which it says will help the company democratize artificial intelligence use across individuals and organizations. The group unites Microsoft Research, which has been its own unit since 1991, with more than 5,000 computer scientists and engineers working on the company's artificial intelligence products. News of the Microsoft AI and Research Group came a day after the company announced the Partnership on AI with Amazon, Facebook, Google and IBM in an effort to "study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, to advance the public's understanding of AI, and to serve as an open platform for discussion and engagement about AI and its influences on people and society." AI and machine learning action at Microsoft has been going nonstop in recent years, in terms of internal development, acquisitions and industry efforts. In fact, Microsoft just bought an intelligent scheduling company called Genee.