Microsoft Agrees to Acquire AI Development Tool Lobe

Microsoft has acquired Lobe, a startup that allows users to build machine learning models using a no-code, drag-and-drop interface. This is the latest of several AI-related takeovers the company has launched over the past year. Previous targets include Bonsai and Semantic Machines. The former is focused on bolstering machine learning autonomy, while the latter is concentrated on improving conversational AI. Post-acquisition, Microsoft plans to develop Love as a standalone service, “supporting open source standards and multiple platforms,” according to a company statement. Lobe was founded by Mike Matas, along with Adam Menges and Markus Beissinger. Matas has previously worked on the iPone and iPad, as well as Facebook’s Paper and Instant articles.