Stevie Bathiche Explains AI Agents NPUs and Future Applications
Microsoft technical fellow Stevie Bathiche discusses AI agents NPUs and the future of AI application structures at Snapdragon Summit 2025
Microsoft technical fellow Stevie Bathiche, renowned for his clear explanations of complex AI concepts, made a notable appearance at the Snapdragon Summit 2025 in Maui. Bathiche, who also participated in Qualcomm’s product announcement keynote, engaged with a small group of attendees, offering insights into the evolving landscape of AI, particularly focusing on orchestration.
AI Application Structures: A Breakdown
At Build 2023, Bathiche delivered a groundbreaking talk outlining three key AI application structures:
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Beside Applications: AI functions as a companion to existing apps, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot or the Copilot sidebar in Edge. This model acts as a literal copilot, enhancing user experience without replacing traditional interfaces.
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Inside Applications: AI is deeply integrated into new or overhauled apps, simplifying interfaces while maintaining functionality. Examples include Clipchamp and Designer.
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Outside Applications: AI operates as an agentic service controlled by an orchestrator. This structure, likened to a "Copilot of Copilots," dynamically combines AI models and services to fulfill user requests. Agentic AI is now emerging, though its full potential will unfold over time.
The Future of Agentic AI
Bathiche highlighted that outside applications are gaining traction, with standalone tools like Perplexity Comet (an AI-powered browser) leading the charge. The ultimate goal is an ambient AI experience, accessible across devices—from wearables like smart glasses and rings to PCs, phones, and smart home systems. This shift promises seamless, natural language interactions, eliminating the need for platform-specific apps.
Why the NPU Matters
Bathiche emphasized the critical role of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in enabling these advanced AI capabilities. Its efficiency in handling AI workloads is foundational to the transition from traditional app structures to agentic and ambient computing.
For more on Bathiche’s insights, watch his Build 2023 talk here.
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About the Author
Alex Thompson
AI Technology Editor
Senior technology editor specializing in AI and machine learning content creation for 8 years. Former technical editor at AI Magazine, now provides technical documentation and content strategy services for multiple AI companies. Excels at transforming complex AI technical concepts into accessible content.