Applied Sciences

Applied Sciences is an applied research and development group dedicated to creating the next generation of computer interaction technologies. Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and developers focuses on synergies among optics, vision, electronics, artificial intelligence, software, manufacturing technology, material science, acoustics, and signal processing using other sensory inputs to create novel human-computer interfaces.

These explorations help incubate next-generation technologies and experiences across several of Microsoft’s devices such as Surface, Xbox, Mobile, Hub, and HoloLens. The team works collaboratively with product groups, and with other research groups within Microsoft, not only to push beyond the boundaries of present technical feasibilities, but also to transfer fundamental concepts into shipping solutions that can be experienced by millions.

Team collaborating around a Surface Studio

Photo of two Project Solara agent-first devices

Reimagining devices for an agentic future

What changes when agents become both a new unit of programming and an emerging new unit of human-to-machine interaction?

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Photo of Steven Bathiche in a laboratory

How the NPU is paving the way toward a more intelligent Windows

Copilot+ PC’s are ushering in a new era of intelligent computing, powered by neural processing units (NPU’s) running at 40+ trillion operations per second and making possible new on-device features.

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Collage of Microsoft Windows UIs and desktop wallpapers through the years

How Microsoft made it through 50 years

Resilience emerges as a key trait in Microsoft’s success: try things, learn from mistakes, pivot, try again. Applied Sciences Group founder Steven Bathiche talks with The Verge about lessons learned and where Microsoft is headed next.

Microsoft 50

Running DeepSeek locally on a Copilot+ PC

What happens when you run DeepSeek locally? Copilot+ PC’s are equipped with powerful NPU’s to handle demanding A.I. loads. So we built distilled DeepSeek R1 models you can run on your Copilot+ PC’s.

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Microsoft releases DeepSeek R1 7B and 14B distilled models for Copilot+ PC’s

The move marks another step in expanding A.I. from the cloud to the edge.

DeepSeek

Layered image of Phi Silica, a state-of-the-art small language model integrated into Windows 11 Copilot+PCs

Phi Silica: a small but mighty on-device small language model (SLM)

This blog is the first installment in a new series of technical content designed to provide insights into the A.I. innovation on Windows.

Phi Silica

Microsoft Technical Fellow Steven Bathiche giving his keynote address at Microsoft Build 2023

Three models for integrating A.I. into apps

Artificial intelligence will reshape human-computer interaction. But how? Microsoft Technical Fellow Steven Bathiche proposes three models for integrating A.I. into the user experience at Microsoft Build 2023.

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Designing devices for artificial intelligence

Applied Sciences’ Vivek Pradeep talks with Harshitha Murthy about creating new device architectures optimized for the world’s most advanced A.I. models and natural-language interfaces.

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Two researchers conversing by way of displays with embedded cameras

Just like being there

In-screen cameras and artificial intelligence combine to create a more natural videoconferencing experience.

Camera in Display

Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay and Applied Sciences head Steven Bathiche unveil new A.I. features in Windows and Surface

The new A.I. experiences

Voice Focus, Auto-Framing, Eye Contact, and Portrait Blur showcase the power of Surface’s new NPU in this live demo at Ignite 2022.

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Applied Sciences in the news

Recent media coverage highlights the team’s innovative contributions to new Microsoft products.

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