Sony, Microsoft strike deal on tiny AI chip with huge potential

A Sony smartphone in London, in 2019. Sony's latest imaging chip has its own processor and memory built in, which allows it to analyse video using AI tech, but in a self-contained system. — Reuters

Sony Corp and Microsoft Corp have partnered to embed artificial intelligence capabilities into the Japanese company’s latest imaging chip, a big boost for a camera product the electronics giant describes as a world-first for commercial customers.

The new module’s big advantage is that it has its own processor and memory built in, which allows it to analyse video using AI tech like Microsoft’s Azure, but in a self-contained system that’s faster, simpler and more secure to operate than existing methods.