Microsoft Insight Feed

MAI Multimodal Models Launch on Azure AI Foundry

MAI Multimodal Models Launch on Azure AI Foundry

Key Questions

What MAI models launched GA on April 2 in Azure AI Foundry?

Transcribe-1, Voice-1, and Image-2 models achieved general availability on April 2. They offer multimodal AI capabilities. Videos highlight business value for 2026.

What models are available in Azure AI Foundry?

Foundry includes GPT-4/o/5.5, Claude Opus, and support for .NET/APIM. It features Playground for agents and integration with Fabric/Entra/Purview. Deployment guides cover step-by-step production.

What is the lifecycle policy for Foundry Models in Azure Government?

GA models have a retirement date set 18 months from commercial launch. No separate announcement needed. Sora 2 retirement raises concerns about early dates.

What certifications cover Azure AI Foundry skills?

Certs include AI-900, AI-300, and AI-901 fundamentals. Courses cover model training, deployment, and Foundry environments. Full crash courses provide exam prep.

How to build AI agents in .NET with Azure AI Foundry?

Sessions teach building agents using Foundry in .NET. It includes multi-model fallback patterns. Interviews and videos demonstrate production deployment.

What is the new OpenAI Image Model in Copilot?

A new OpenAI Image Model integrates into Microsoft Copilot for advanced generation. It enhances multimodal features. Videos showcase its capabilities.

Best practices for calling Azure OpenAI models?

Avoid direct calls; use patterns like Azure AI Foundry for fallback and orchestration. Videos recommend this for reliability. It simplifies enterprise integration.

What is Azure AI Document Intelligence?

It provides enterprise Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) that works effectively. Supports multimodal AI like Transcribe and Voice. Tutorials cover practical use.

Apr 2 GA: Transcribe-1/Voice-1/Image-2; GPT-4/o/5.5 .NET/APIM/Foundry Models (Claude Opus/Gov lifecycle); Playground/agents/Fabric/Entra/Purview; certs AI-900/300/901.

Sources (15)
Updated May 6, 2026