One year later, Microsoft AI and Research grows to 8k people in massive bet on artificial intelligence

Microsoft's first mission statement envisioned a computer on every desk and in every home, but Bill Gates also had another goal: that computers would someday be able to see, hear, communicate and understand humans and their environment. More than 25 years and two CEOs later, Microsoft is betting its future on it. "We truly believe AI is this disruptive force, even though it's not new," said Harry Shum, the executive vice president in charge of Microsoft's AI and Research group, in an interview with GeekWire. "The recent progress is just enormous. We certainly have seen that through our own products and engagement with customers. We also feel we have a very strong point of view about how we take AI to the next step."