Microsoft to invest in Grab

They will also forge alliances to boost Grab's fraud detection, amongst others.

Microsoft will pitch in a ‘strategic investment’ for Grab. However, the announcement did not reveal the amount of the deal.

“We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft in the pursuit of enhancing on-demand transportation and seamless online-to-offline experiences for users,” Grab president Ming Maa.

Grab could leverage on Microsoft’s machine learning and other artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Initially, Grab will adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform.

Through Microsoft Azure’s data analytics and fraud detection services, Grab can explore ways to predict and prevent fraudulent transactions in its platform.

“We’re excited to team up to transform the customer experience as well as enhance the delivery of digital services for the millions of users who rely on Grab for safe and affordable transport, food and package delivery, mobile payments, and financial services,” Microsoft executive vice president Peggy Johnson said.

Moreover, Grab will also tap on Microsoft as it moves to look for new authentication mechanisms such as mobile facial recognition with built-in AI for drivers and customers who opt in, as a replacement for checking IDs, that help match both driver and passenger identities to the reservation.

The ride-hailing firm also eyes to partner Microsoft as it explores 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,” Grab explained. Microsoft’s machine learning capabilities will also aid Grab in upgrading its map creation quality.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Outlook users will be allowed to directly book rides in the application and be alerted with calendar reminders.

Together, the firms will also partner to roll out in-car entertainment and productivity solutions across Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Microsoft will explore integrating Microsoft Rewards Gift Cards into the Grab Rewards loyalty program.