New Delhi, April 5 -- Microsoft is looking to become more self-sufficient in the artificial-intelligence sphere.

The tech giant is pursuing new research avenues that the company hopes will put its AI models on par with rivals, after inking a reworked deal with ChatGPT parent OpenAI in 2025.

Microsoft's prescient 2019 initial investment in OpenAI came with an agreement that tied the two companies together in more than just financial ways. Microsoft's Azure cloud unit, which was still getting off the ground, would become OpenAI's sole cloud provider. On the flip-side, Microsoft would not compete with OpenAI to build the ultimate goal of AI researchers: machines that can perform knowledge work better than any person, also called superintel...