Microsoft is spearheading a transformative shift in the accessibility of artificial intelligence by offering free access to OpenAI’s powerful o1 model directly through its Copilot tool. This strategic decision comes as a response to the growing demand for advanced AI capabilities in everyday applications, thereby positioning Microsoft at the forefront of making AI more accessible to users across various platforms.
The announcement was made by Mustafa Suleyman, the head of Microsoft AI, highlighting that Copilot users would now have unlimited access to the o1 model, which has been touted as one of the most sophisticated AI models available. Released by OpenAI in December, the o1 model has primarily been behind paywalls, with OpenAI’s premium service, ChatGPT Pro, priced at a staggering $200 per month for full access. Additionally, the more affordable ChatGPT Plus subscription, costing $20 per month, provides limited access to the same model.
Now, Microsoft is taking a bold step by enabling Copilot users to utilize the o1 model at no cost via the “Think Deeper” feature. This new capability is designed to offer users a more profound and analytical approach to interacting with the AI. Unlike conventional search engines, the “Think Deeper” function encourages users to engage with the AI in a thoughtful manner, as it takes a couple of seconds to research and generate informed responses. The ease of access has been made possible through the Copilot app, which is now available as a progressive web app (PWA). Users can log in through copilot.microsoft.com or directly via the Copilot app on Windows.
For individuals seeking to harness the capabilities of this technology, activating the “Think Deeper” function is straightforward. Users simply need to toggle the switch to ensure it is highlighted before submitting their queries. This thoughtful feature is more sophisticated than its predecessor, which often tended to provide shorter, less detailed responses. Though it’s crucial to note that while the “Think Deeper” function excels in evergreen content — such as generating analyses of natural phenomena or historical events — it operates with information available up to October 2023.
One of the significant advantages of utilizing the “Think Deeper” capability is its proficiency in coding tasks. During tests, users found that it could generate code efficiently, such as when it was prompted to develop a basic Windows application to draw a maze based on the user’s first name. After a wait of only a few seconds, it produced comprehensive details on how to create the application, including custom C# source files. Such capabilities are poised to enhance both learning and productivity for users across various sectors.
As Microsoft navigates this competitive landscape, there remains an air of curiosity regarding whether this feature will remain free in the long term. Currently, there’s no sign that Microsoft intends to monetize the “Think Deeper” function, either through direct charges or through the credit system included in its upgraded Microsoft 365 subscription, which also contains Copilot Plus. A request for comments from a Microsoft representative was not immediately addressed, leaving users to wonder about the future of this feature.
Meanwhile, developments in the AI space continue at a rapid pace, with OpenAI announcing details about its upcoming o3 model. This latest iteration promises to employ a “private chain of thought” to enhance its ability in crafting complex and nuanced responses. Various benchmarks suggest that o3 offers significant improvements over its predecessor, especially in software engineering and logical problem-solving tasks. However, it is expected that this advanced model will come with its own user fees, potentially excluding general users from accessing its full power.
Microsoft’s move to integrate OpenAI’s o1 model into its ecosystem represents a significant leap forward in making AI accessible to a broader audience. As users embrace tools that enhance their productivity without substantial financial burdens, it remains to be seen how the competitive landscape of AI services will evolve in response to this groundbreaking availability. In the meantime, Microsoft is setting a standard for tech companies by prioritizing user access and experience in the fast-evolving arena of artificial intelligence.