Project Solara: Microsoft unveils "system" for gadgets with AI agents.

Microsoft presented the Project Solara, a platform for devices that replace the logic of opening apps with experiences driven by AI agentsShown during the Microsoft Build 2026Although the project is still conceptual, it reveals how the company envisions a new generation of connected corporate gadgets. Copilot, Azure and to security and device management services.

What is Project Solara?

O Solara It is described by Microsoft as a platform built "from the ground up" for experiences. agent-drivenIn other words, they are conducted by agents. In practice, the idea is that the user doesn't need to think first about which app to open: they request a task, and the system coordinates agents capable of communicating with each other, accessing tools, consulting authorized data, and delivering a response or action.

Instead of being just a new Windows feature, the Project Solara It attempts to create a complete layer for AI devices. This layer combines an adaptable interface, sensors, authentication, connectivity, local execution, and cloud services. The goal is to enable smaller, always-ready devices integrated into the work environment, without necessarily depending on a laptop or smartphone being open all the time.

It's not Windows: the foundation is enterprise Android.

Despite being treated as a kind of "operating system for agents," Project Solara It doesn't run on Windows.According to the report by GeekWire, corroborated by The VergeThe basis used in the concepts is... Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), a corporate version of Android maintained by Microsoft.

This choice makes sense for smaller, lower-power devices, such as a desktop hub or a smart badge. MDEP allows remote updates, protection by Microsoft Defender, management via Intune, corporate login with Entra ID, and other security tools used by companies. For the reader, the important difference is this: the Solara It doesn't appear to be a replacement for Windows 11, but rather a parallel platform for new device form factors.

At the same time, Microsoft is trying to connect this initiative to its larger strategy of agents on the PCAt Build 2026, the company also discussed Windows as an increasingly "agent-native" environment, with technologies such as Microsoft Agent Platform, Agent 365, and Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC), which serve to create, govern, and isolate AI agents.

Desk Concept: a desktop hub for agents

The first concept shown is the Project Solara Desk Concept, a desktop device with a screen that resembles a smart displayBut geared towards work. It could recognize the user, show available agents, receive voice or touch commands, and connect to a PC via Bluetooth to track ongoing tasks.

The promise is to transform the device into a work companion: it would sit on the desk as a dedicated interface for agents, freeing up the main computer for activities that require a larger screen, keyboard, and traditional applications. Microsoft also shows scenarios in which this type of device could function as a terminal for Windows 365 Cloud PC, but no final product has yet been announced.

Badge Concept: a wearable device with camera, voice, and fingerprint recognition.

The second concept is the Project Solara Badge Concept, a wearable in the form of a badge. It features a camera, fingerprint reader, 5G connectivity, and voice control, suggesting its use by frontline professionals in healthcare, retail, logistics, or customer service.

The idea is that the user can activate an agent without needing to take their phone out of their pocket: the device could record and transcribe conversations, recognize context through the camera, and allow for quick authentication via biometrics. Since there is a camera and microphone on the user's body, privacy and governance will be central issues if partners transform the concept into a commercial product.

From apps to agents: what changes for the user

O Project Solara This represents a change in interface. In recent years, AI first appeared alongside applications, such as chatbotsThen it went inside them, as Copilot features in Microsoft 365. Now, Microsoft wants to test agents that work. outside of apps, monitoring workflows and calling upon tools as needed.

For businesses, this could mean specialized devices that help employees access information, record customer service interactions, fill out systems, and automate repetitive tasks. For consumers, it's still too early to talk about an off-the-shelf product, but the direction is clear: Microsoft sees AI agents as a new layer of interaction between people, devices, and online services.

Partners, chips and pilots

Microsoft does not intend to sell the two devices shown directly. They are reference designsIn other words, models that partners can use as a basis for creating their own products. GeekWire cites expected pilots with companies such AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi's e Targetin addition to chipsets Qualcomm e MediaTek for the initial concepts.

This model reduces the risk of yet another isolated “AI gadget” and attempts to position Solara as an ecosystem: manufacturers provide the hardware, companies provide the use cases, developers create agents, and Microsoft offers the identity, security, management, and cloud layer. Still, details are lacking regarding pricing, licensing, end manufacturers, markets, and launch timeline.

Price and availability

For now, Project Solara should be treated as platform in early stages...not as a ready-to-purchase product line. Microsoft showcased concepts at Build 2026 and released an official video about the vision. “agent-first”However, it did not announce a price, sales date, availability in Brazil, or which manufacturers will bring Solara devices to market.

It's also worth separating what's official from what comes from news reports. Microsoft confirms the name, concepts, and vision of agent-centric devices. Details such as the use of MDEP/Android, pilot partners, and commercial strategy were described in a briefing/news report. GeekWire and echoed by The Verge.

See the video

Microsoft has released an official video showcasing the Project Solara ...and the idea of ​​agent-centric computing. For those who want to understand the proposal visually, this is the best complement to the article:

For a more technical overview of Microsoft's AI strategy on Windows, it's also worth watching the official session on Windows AI Foundry:

See also:

Microsoft announces Copilot Actions and Copilots Agents for AI-powered task automation

Best laptops and desktops for AI (Windows and Mac)

Sources: ecosystem, Microsoft Blog, GeekWire, The Verge e Microsoft on YouTube.

reviewed by Luis Antonio Costa in 03 / 06 / 26