Overview
- Microsoft introduced Project Solara at Build 2026 as a new device platform that makes AI agents the main user interface instead of traditional apps.
- Solara devices will run Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), an AOSP-based OS, and rely on Azure to host agent models so no large models run on the devices themselves.
- Microsoft says devices will be managed with Intune and authenticate with Entra ID and Windows Hello for Business, and will include hardware privacy controls such as a microphone mute switch.
- Reference designs from Qualcomm and MediaTek include a wearable ‘badge’ and a stationary desktop hub, and Microsoft says it is testing prototypes internally with plans for external pilots with partners such as AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi's and Target.
- Microsoft positions Solara for enterprise use cases like healthcare where, with consent, badges could record and transcribe clinical conversations into patient records using Dragon Copilot, but the company still needs to resolve connectivity, data residency and clinical workflow and privacy questions during the pilot phase.