Developer Tools 2.0: How Microsoft, Pieces for Developers, and Google are Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance their Suites
Tags: ai, productivity, tooling, programming
Published: 2023-03-31 16:39:40

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being integrated into productivity software, ushering in a revolutionary new era of how we work. The latest “Market Map” released by investment firm Sequoia Capital, [Mapping AI in the Software Development Life Cycle](https://www.sequoiacap.com/article/ai-powered-developer-tools/), points to “Developer Tools 2.0” as the next generational opportunity. They referenced GitHub’s Copilot in the report as the tool that, “...may be just the opening salvo in AI’s transformation of how software engineers work.” As a result, a new gold rush is underway, with large tech companies moving to integrate AI capabilities into their existing tools, while startups develop innovative products that leverage AI to boost productivity and eliminate mundane tasks.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4mpc84el5a9dmujdj0aa.png "Sequoia Market Map; Developer Tools 2.0")
[Sequoia Market Map](https://www.sequoiacap.com/article/ai-powered-developer-tools/)

## Microsoft’s Integration: All Things AI
In a major move, Microsoft recently integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its popular M365 suite. This announcement comes on the heels of Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI just months earlier. To further enhance the productivity of its suite, Microsoft’s subsidiary, [GitHub, purchased by Microsoft](https://news.microsoft.com/announcement/microsoft-acquires-github/) in 2016, introduced Copilot, a code completion tool that utilizes the OpenAI Codex. The introduction of Copilot has been a resounding success after launching individual and business plans this year. Experts predict that this segment of business will generate over $1 billion in annual revenue by the end of 2023, showcasing the value that consumers place on AI-powered tools in their workflow. Encouraged by this success, and seeking to bring the same benefits found by developers to a broader audience, Microsoft has gone on to introduce the [Copilot feature throughout its M365 suite](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-a-whole-new-way-to-work/?culture=en-us&country=us), signaling the company’s commitment to making AI a cornerstone of its products. Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, has been leading the charge as the company integrates this technology deeply through its tools. At the launch of [M365 Copilot](https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-your-copilot-for-work/), Nadella said, “Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth.” This is a welcome message to all software users who want to benefit from the productivity gains from the use of AI. He went on to say, “With our new Copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.” We look forward to seeing what Microsoft will do next!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/simz3nchcgvaij9o1wy2.png "M365 Copilot")

## Pieces for Developers™ | In-House ML & ChatGPT Integrations
Pieces for Developers brings proprietary AI in combination with ChatGPT to your favorite developer tools to save time [researching](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pieces-save-code-snippets/igbgibhbfonhmjlechmeefimncpekepm), [collaborating, coding, and documenting](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MeshIntelligentTechnologiesInc.pieces-vscode). While the integration with ChatGPT has enhanced the contextual code descriptions and search-ability of code snippets throughout a developers workflow, it’s the in-house ML and code specific LLMs that really shine. The team, based out of Cincinnati, Ohio with a AI/ML team in Europe, strategically built in-house micro-models that perform offline and on-device. This means access to generative AI, even when you aren’t connected to WiFi. This brings additional value to those individuals and organizations who are security conscious, which is virtually everyone these days.  Secure AI served directly on your machine is a massive leap forward in the space. Pieces for Developers is center stage in the conversation surrounding both Developer Tools 2.0 and generative AI.  The integrations bring generative AI directly to the browser, IDE, GitHub, and collaboration tools, allowing a developer to stay in flow throughout their tools. This spring and summer, the Pieces team will attend various events to showcase the suite of AI-powered integrations as they look to raise additional funding and invest in partnerships, like the Teams integration that is currently in development. Tsavo Knott, the CEO of Pieces for Developers, will join GitHub on their [Twitch Channel](https://www.twitch.tv/GitHub) next week to discuss what’s next for Pieces for Developers and Developer Tools 2.0. The interview will also be shared on [GitHub’s YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@GitHub) after the live stream. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pufgizfecqgv9hch4u9r.png "Pieces for Developers Desktop Application & VS Code Plugin")

## Google’s AI upgrades to Docs & Gmail with Bard
Google has been investing heavily in AI for several years and has recently announced their new language model, Bard. Although the full capabilities of Bard are still being tested, early signs suggest that it has enormous potential and will go head-to-head with OpenAI. Similar to the autocomplete capabilities found in the Microsoft M365 ecosystem, Bard is expected to make it possible for G suite tools like Slides, Docs, Sheets, and G chat to generate presentations, create visualizations of data with just one click, and introduce new features that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Google has also been investing heavily in AI startups, putting [$300 million into Anthropic](https://medium.com/mlearning-ai/google-invests-300m-to-compete-with-chatgpt-claude-by-anthropic-efd0f0e1222), the creators of Claude, a LLM looking to compete with ChatGPT. Claude is not yet available to the public, so very few know the true capabilities of the AI. Their large valuation, $3 billion after Google’s investment, aligns well with Sequoia’s predictions about the future investment opportunities in the generative AI and developer tools 2.0. With Bard’s rollout and investments in startups, Google is demonstrating its commitment to implementing AI to revolutionize the way users work, communicate, and collaborate.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rjgou0vzhllaq04l2d92.png "Meet Bard from Google graphic.")

## Conclusion + GitHub Event Highlight!
The integration of AI into productivity software is changing the way we work for businesses and individuals alike. With companies like Microsoft and Google already incorporating AI into their products, it is clear that this technology is here to stay. Meanwhile, startups like Pieces for Developers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, harnessing AI’s power to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. This trend represents a significant shift, offering the potential to revolutionize the industry for years to come. As AI continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see even greater advances in the way we work, communicate, and innovate.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8vpc5vryqhrstl06ka9u.png "GitHub + Pieces for Developers banner.") 


To learn more about the rise of generative AI and Developer Tools 2.0, tune in to [GitHub’s Youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@GitHub) on Wednesday, April 5th to learn more from the CEO of Pieces for Developers. [View the live steam interview on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/GitHub)!