Microsoft Announces Project Solara: A New Platform for "Agent-First" Devices
Microsoft announced Project Solara at its Build 2026 developer conference. The initiative is a software platform designed for hardware devices that operate using AI agents. The operating system layer is based on a version of Android called the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), rather than Windows, to accommodate smaller, lower-power devices.
Project Overview
Project Solara is described by Microsoft as a chip-to-cloud platform for "agent-first" experiences. The company demonstrated two concept devices as part of the project: a stationary desk unit and a wearable badge. These devices are experimental reference designs intended for hardware manufacturers and are not planned for commercial release by Microsoft. The company is piloting the prototypes internally with hundreds of employees and has partnered with several external companies for future pilots.
Hardware Concepts
Microsoft demonstrated two concept devices designed for enterprise use:
- Stationary Desk Unit: A touch-enabled, voice-activated device with a display, microphones, cameras, a presence sensor, and USB-C ports. It uses facial recognition for access.
- Wearable Badge: A lightweight device designed to attach to a lanyard or belt loop. It includes a touchscreen, microphone, speakers, a camera, a fingerprint scanner, and 5G connectivity. A single press can activate an AI agent, and the camera allows the agent to see the user's perspective. The badge can record conversations and transcribe them.
Both devices are multimodal, providing glanceable access, voice, and vision capabilities for interacting with AI agents.
Platform and Technical Details
- Operating System: The platform uses the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), an Android-based OS.
- Agent Shell: The platform includes an agent shell to handle local and cloud-based agents.
- Just-in-Time UI: The system uses AI to generate interfaces that adapt to the device and modality, eliminating the need to redesign interfaces for every new form factor.
- Enterprise Management: The platform supports Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, and Hello Business, along with privacy controls.
- Hardware Partners: Microsoft has specified MediaTek and Qualcomm Arm-based chipsets and will provide reference designs for device makers.
Internal Testing and External Pilots
Microsoft is currently piloting both device concepts with hundreds of internal employees. The company plans to begin an external pilot of Project Solara in the coming months.
Corporate Partners
The following companies plan to participate in hardware pilots: AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi’s, and Target. Microsoft is investigating applications in healthcare, retail, financial services, and other industries.
Context and Statements
"Project Solara is part of a new technology 'form factor' for AI-driven work." — CEO Satya Nadella
Microsoft technical fellow Steven Bathiche demonstrated the devices. A Microsoft blog post described Project Solara as a "liminal" operating system designed to transcend the device and cloud, allowing agents to operate across multiple devices.
The project is in early stages. Microsoft previously produced the HoloLens augmented reality headset, which it discontinued in 2024. No pricing or launch date for Project Solara devices has been announced.