Microsoft announces Project Solara: an operating system designed for agent-first devices.

      TL;DR: At Build 2026, Microsoft introduced Project Solara, a chip-to-cloud platform tailored for "agent-first devices" that utilize AI agents instead of conventional applications. Two concept devices, a wearable badge and a desk companion, are currently being tested with Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi’s, and Target.

      Microsoft presented Project Solara at Build 2026, a novel chip-to-cloud platform specifically designed for devices that operate with AI agents rather than traditional applications. The platform includes a streamlined operating system built on AOSP, enterprise-level security and management features through Intune and Entra ID, and what Microsoft refers to as "just-in-time UI," which allows agent experiences to adapt their interfaces based on the device they are on. Two concept device prototypes were introduced: a wearable badge and a desk companion, both aimed at enterprise users.

      This announcement is noteworthy as it marks Microsoft's initial effort to create an operating system and hardware ecosystem predicated on the idea that agents will replace applications as the primary means through which users engage with computers. While companies like Google, Salesforce, and OpenAI are developing agent platforms, Microsoft is the first to create dedicated hardware that is neither a phone, PC, nor tablet.

      Device Designs

      The badge concept transforms the traditional corporate access badge into a continuously connected AI companion. It features a touchscreen, a fingerprint sensor for Hello for Business authentication, a far-field microphone array and speaker for voice interactions, a side-facing camera, and connectivity options including WiFi, Bluetooth, 5G, and satellite, all powered by Qualcomm wearable technology. Users such as nurses, retail associates, or office workers can quickly check upcoming meetings, tap to record in-person discussions with full transcription, or ask their agents questions without using their hands.

      The desk concept is a compact stationary device featuring a touchscreen, dual microphones, a speaker, a UWB presence sensor, and MediaTek IoT technology. It uses facial recognition (Hello for Business) for authentication and offers ambient access to AI agents while the user is engaged in work. When connected to an external monitor via USB-C, it can function as a Windows 365 cloud PC client, providing enterprises with a device that operates both as an agent companion and a thin client.

      Both devices are specifically not designed to run conventional applications. There is no app store, traditional browser experience, or desktop interface. The entire interaction model is centered around the notion that users will interact with software via agents rather than by navigating individual applications.

      Platform Architecture

      Project Solara is built on MDEP (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), an enterprise-level operating system based on the Android Open Source Project. This is significant as Microsoft is developing its next-generation device platform on Android’s open-source foundation, rather than on Windows. This pragmatic choice allows the platform to benefit from Android’s hardware compatibility and driver support while enabling Microsoft to integrate its own agent interface, security structure, and management framework.

      The platform is anchored by three main components. First, enterprise readiness is supported by Intune for device management, Entra ID for authentication, Hello for Business biometrics, and physical privacy features such as a hardware mic mute button. Second, an agent-driven interaction model includes just-in-time UI that adjusts dynamically across various screen sizes, formats, and input methods. Third, the platform is extensible for multiple agents, incorporating Microsoft’s own (Copilot, Researcher, Facilitator, and the new Priority Agent) alongside third-party agents developed using the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK, Copilot Studio, or the Microsoft Agent Framework.

      While enterprise AI agents are already being utilized in retail, finance, and healthcare on existing devices, Project Solara posits that custom-built hardware tailored to how agents operate, rather than how applications function, can enhance user experiences in specific workflows and environments.

      Just-in-Time UI

      The most technically ambitious aspect of this announcement is the just-in-time UI. Typically, introducing a new device form factor necessitates developers to redesign their applications to match the new screen size, resolution, and input method, making new device categories costly to develop and reliant on a strong app ecosystem.

      Microsoft suggests that agents should autonomously create their own interfaces. For example, on a small badge screen, an agent might display a simple card with one action, while on a desk device, the same agent can provide a more elaborate visual layout. On a connected display, it can generate a comprehensive dashboard. The agent modifies its presentation based on the device instead of requiring developers to create distinct experiences for each form factor.

      Currently, this functionality is realized through semi-structured formats like adaptive cards. As AI models improve in generating layouts and interfaces, Microsoft anticipates moving towards increasingly dynamic and eventually fully generative user interfaces. The company clarifies that fully generative UI "is not here yet," but it is investing in developments that lie between responsive design and unrestricted generation.

      Pilot Testing

      Hundreds of Microsoft employees are already using the concept devices internally. The company has also initiated