Microsoft MAI: New AI Models for Reasoning, Voice & Code

Microsoft has launched a new family of in-house AI models called MAI. These models cover reasoning, voice, coding, and images. The centerpiece is MAI-Thinking-1, Microsoft's first reasoning model. It's a mid-sized model designed for complex multi-step instructions and code generation, built for efficiency and performance at a low cost. Microsoft says independent evaluators preferred it over Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.6. Six additional MAI models were also announced, including MAI-Image-2.5, MAI-Transcribe-1.5, MAI-Voice-2, and MAI-Code-1. MAI-Thinking-1 is available in private preview. MAI-Image-2.5 models are already live in PowerPoint and OneDrive, and MAI-Code 1 is available now in Copilot and VS Code. MAI-Transcribe-1.5 will support 43 languages, and MAI-Voice-2 is available in 15 languages. Also announced was Microsoft Scout, a personal agent for workplace tasks. These new AI capabilities could change how you interact with Microsoft products and services.