In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his belief that the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) needs to be reevaluated, asserting that it should not be equated with human intelligence. Nadella introduced the term “different intelligence” to delineate AI from human cognition, emphasizing its role as a tool rather than a rival to human intelligence.

Nadella’s perspective diverges from the narratives propagated by some tech leaders, such as Sam Altman of OpenAI and Elon Musk of Tesla, who foresee AI potentially surpassing human intelligence in the near future. Musk has notably suggested that by 2029, AI could exceed human intelligence, a prospect that has stirred concerns about the implications for society.

Despite advancements showcased by tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft in integrating AI into various domains, Nadella underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of AI’s capabilities. He highlights that while AI can exhibit intelligence within specific tasks, it remains distinct from human cognition and lacks the breadth and depth of human intelligence.

Nadella’s remarks come at a time when the tech industry is grappling with the ethical and societal implications of AI proliferation. Microsoft’s unveiling of new AI features, such as Recall and Copilot Plus tech, underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging AI as a complementary tool that augments human capabilities rather than supplants them.