Microsoft unveils Azure Maia 300, calls it primary inference system

Microsoft announced the Azure Maia 300 chip and said it will be its primary inference system. The earlier Maia 200 is already deployed across multiple regions.

Why it matters: Hyperscalers are shifting inference to in-house silicon to reduce dependence on Nvidia, and a rapid Maia 200 to 300 cadence shows that effort is maturing. Inference is where most AI spend now lands, so this affects cost structure and Nvidia's pricing leverage.