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Microsoft Ride-sharing Grab

Microsoft invests in Grab and will use its technology to improve ride-sharing experiences

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By Shawn Lim, Reporter, Asia Pacific

October 9, 2018 | 3 min read

Microsoft has announced it will invest in Grab as part of its collaboration with the South East Asian ride-sharing platform.

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The partnership will also see Grab adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform.

The partnership will also see Grab adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform, as well as explore several innovative deep technology projects with Microsoft to enhance and transform the Grab experience for Grab’s users, driver-partners, merchants and agents.

Projects will include using big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve passenger and driver safety and security, prevent fraudulent transactions and provide customers with contextualised real-time translations and create an AI chatbot.

Grab also plans to work with Microsoft to explore image recognition and computer vision technologies that will improve the user and driver pickup experience. For example, passengers will be able to take a photo of their current location and have it translated into an actual address for the driver.

It will also provide on-demand transportation booking options to Outlook users so they can seamlessly book rides directly in the application and be alerted with calendar reminders.

“This partnership signals a deep collaboration with Microsoft on an array of technology projects, including big data and artificial intelligence, that will transform the delivery of everyday services and mobility solutions in Southeast Asia,” said Ming Maa, president of Grab.

“As a global technology leader, Microsoft’s investment into Grab highlights our position as the leading homegrown technology player in the region. We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft in the pursuit of enhancing on-demand transportation and seamless online-to-offline experiences for users.”

Neither Grab or Microsoft have revealed the size of the investment.

Microsoft Ride-sharing Grab

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