OpenAI drops paywall for reasoning model, introducing free access to Copilot users

In a noteworthy move for users and enthusiasts of artificial intelligence, OpenAI has recently announced that it will drop the paywall on its reasoning model involving the Copilot application. This decision comes hot on the heels of the burgeoning popularity of the Chinese AI application Deepseek, which this week revealed a free reasoning model that garnered significant attention. As part of this shift, Microsoft, a long-standing collaborator of OpenAI, has played a pivotal role in facilitating this transition, ensuring that all Copilot users can access the OpenAI o1 model without incurring any subscription fees.

This is particularly significant as there is no longer any branding of “Plus” or “Pro” associated with Copilot, meaning users will not require specialized hardware, let alone a ChatGPT or Copilot subscription, to take advantage of these features. This announcement came directly from Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, who shared the update via a LinkedIn post. In his message, he confirmed that the “Think Deeper” feature of Copilot is now free for all users, amplifying the reach of OpenAI’s tools in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.

The “Think Deeper” functionality, which began testing in October, allows the AI chatbot to take approximately 30 seconds to analyze a user’s request more thoroughly before providing a response. While this model does not possess the ability to access real-time information via the internet, it compensates for this limitation by enabling users to understand the reasoning process that leads to the answer provided. Through this method, it aims to self-correct mistakes made during the reasoning process. This enhanced feature is designed to improve AI’s capabilities when confronted with complex topics, particularly those related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

OpenAI has boasted that their o1 model is notably effective, claiming that it can solve 83% of problems presented in the International Mathematics Olympiad, a stark contrast to the 13% success rate of the non-reasoning model, GPT-4o. Users eager to utilize the “Think Deeper” capability in Copilot need only click the corresponding button when they are inputting prompts. However, it’s essential to note that, as with many tech rollouts, availability may vary, meaning some users might experience a delay before they can access this feature.

Suleyman did not elaborate on any specific limitations regarding the new access to the o1 model. However, it is reasonable to assume that users are likely to encounter the same restrictions as the complimentary version of Copilot, which may result in limited availability during peak usage times. This offering, especially when compared to ChatGPT’s own fee structure—where limited access costs $20 monthly and unlimited access goes for $200—positions Copilot’s free access as a more appealing prospect for users.

The emergence of OpenAI’s free o1 version could be interpreted as a strategic response to the competitive advancements showcased by Deepseek’s R1 model, which claims a capability to match o1 in several metrics. Nevertheless, the timing of this decision may favor users significantly. Deepseek, while making strides in the AI realm, is currently grappling with serious privacy concerns, including past issues with chat logs that were left exposed to public view.

Additionally, Microsoft is keen on optimizing its portfolio as it navigates these developments. While Deepseek’s R1 has not yet been made broadly available through Microsoft’s offerings, there has been a proactive integration of the model into their AI development tools, demonstrating a strategy to remain competitive.

In conclusion, the opening up of the OpenAI o1 reasoning model for free to all Copilot users heralds a pivotal moment in the accessibility of AI technology. As competition intensifies, particularly against players like Deepseek, these changes are likely to enhance user experience and expand the reach of AI tools in various fields, especially in solving complex logical and mathematical problems. The future of AI assistance now seems more accessible than ever, paving the way for innovations and improvements across different sectors.