Microsoft Offers Free Access to Advanced AI Model via Copilot

Microsoft is making high-end artificial intelligence more accessible by integrating OpenAI’s powerful o1 model into its Copilot assistant at no cost. This move provides Windows users with free access to AI reasoning that would otherwise require a pricey subscription.

The o1 model, introduced by OpenAI in December, was initially available only through paid plans. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro offers unlimited access for $200 per month, while ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month, provides limited access. However, Microsoft has now made the same advanced AI model available for free through Copilot’s new Think Deeper feature.

Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman announced on Wednesday that Copilot users “everywhere” can now access the o1 model at no cost. The Think Deeper function, designed to deliver more thoughtful and research-backed responses, can be enabled within Copilot by toggling a simple switch. Users can access Copilot either through the Windows app or via copilot.microsoft.com, but they must be signed in with a Microsoft account.

Unlike traditional search engines, Think Deeper specializes in in-depth analysis rather than retrieving up-to-the-minute news. It is particularly effective for complex reasoning tasks, such as scientific explanations, historical analysis, and coding assistance. Users can even generate detailed programming solutions, with the AI producing structured C# code for applications based on specific prompts.

So far, Microsoft has not indicated any plans to charge for Think Deeper, either through a subscription or a credit-based system like the one introduced in its Microsoft 365 Copilot upgrade. The company has yet to comment on whether this free access will be permanent.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is already developing its next-generation o3 model, which promises even more advanced reasoning capabilities. However, this new iteration is expected to come at a cost, making Microsoft’s free access to o1 a valuable option for users looking for powerful AI tools without the hefty price tag.