Microsoft begins testing AI model that could better compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Microsoft has begun testing its in-house MAI-1 model with Copilot users, a move aimed at reducing reliance on OpenAI and positioning it as a stronger rival to ChatGPT.

Microsoft has started testing a new in-house artificial intelligence model designed to strengthen its position in the generative AI race.

The company announced that it is previewing its MAI-Voice-1 model, which is being trialled with select Copilot users and developers.

According to Microsoft, MAI-Voice-1 has been built from the ground up by its own research teams and could bring “more reliable, nuanced and efficient” outputs compared to earlier systems.

In a blog post, Microsoft said: “MAI-Voice-1 is a lightning-fast speech generation model, with an ability to generate a full minute of audio in under a second on a single GPU, making it one of the most efficient speech systems available today.”

The company explained that the MAI-Voice-1 preview is aimed at gathering performance feedback and refining the model before a wider release.

The move highlights Microsoft’s dual strategy of continuing its high-profile partnership with OpenAI, while also developing its own models to reduce reliance on external providers.

MAI-Voice-1 is said to be seen internally as a potential rival to ChatGPT, with the ability to handle a broader range of tasks across coding, search and productivity.

Microsoft’s AI platform chief Eric Boyd described the project as “a step forward in expanding Copilot’s versatility,” adding that the company expects the technology to become “a cornerstone of AI-enhanced work”.

The test launch comes as rivals Google and Anthropic push forward with their Gemini and Claude models, respectively, and as regulators step up scrutiny of how AI systems are trained and deployed.

Analysts say Microsoft’s decision to build its own large language models is a sign of how critical AI has become to the company’s future growth.

If successful, MAI-Voice-1 could eventually be integrated more deeply across Microsoft products, from Windows and Office to Azure cloud services, giving the company a stronger footing in a market dominated by OpenAI and Google.