In a significant move to democratise advanced AI capabilities, Microsoft has announced that OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model is now freely accessible to all users of its Copilot assistant. This development eliminates the previous subscription barriers, allowing a broader audience to leverage sophisticated AI functionalities without additional costs. theverge.com
OpenAI and Microsoft: From Partners to Rivals?
Once the poster children of AI collaboration, OpenAI and Microsoft now seem to be drifting apart. Recent moves by both companies suggest a cooling relationship, hinting at a brewing rivalry. pt.wikipedia.org
OpenAI has inked a nearly $12 billion deal with CoreWeave, a specialised cloud provider, to power its AI models over the next five years. This partnership reduces OpenAI’s reliance on Microsoft’s Azure platform. ft.com
Microsoft isn’t standing still. The tech giant is developing its own AI reasoning models, potentially to rival OpenAI’s offerings. This move indicates Microsoft’s desire to have more control over its AI future. techcrunch.com
The hiring of Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent AI figure, by Microsoft has reportedly added tension to the partnership, highlighting the delicate balance in their collaboration.
Introducing 'Think Deeper'
The integration comes through a feature dubbed ‘Think Deeper’, enabling Copilot to tackle more complex queries by analysing questions from multiple perspectives. Initially launched in October as a preview within Copilot Labs for Pro subscribers, ‘Think Deeper’ is now available to all users, offering step-by-step responses beneficial for tasks like option comparisons, coding assistance, and trip planning. theverge.com
Previously, access to OpenAI’s o1 model required a ChatGPT Pro subscription at $200 per month or a ChatGPT Plus plan at $20 per month with limited usage. Microsoft’s decision to provide this feature at no extra charge through Copilot significantly lowers the entry barrier for users seeking advanced AI assistance.
Microsoft's Commitment to AI Accessibility
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating that making the o1 reasoning model-powered ‘Think Deeper’ feature freely available aligns with Microsoft’s mission to empower users with cutting-edge AI tools. business-standard.com
By integrating OpenAI’s powerful o1 model into Copilot without additional costs, Microsoft positions itself as a leader in making advanced AI accessible to a wider audience. This move may prompt other tech companies to reassess their AI service offerings and pricing strategies, potentially leading to broader adoption and innovation in the AI sector.
Looking Ahead
As Microsoft continues to enhance Copilot’s capabilities, users can anticipate more features that simplify complex tasks and boost productivity. The company’s commitment to integrating advanced AI models like o1 into its tools underscores a dedication to staying at the forefront of AI development and accessibility.
Victor A. Lausas
Chief Executive Officer
