Microsoft has taken another bold step in the world of artificial intelligence by making OpenAI's innovative o1 reasoning model available for free to all Copilot users. This announcement came on January 30, 2025, when Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, revealed the new feature known as 'Think Deeper.'
The 'Think Deeper' functionality allows users to engage with the Copilot chatbot, maximizing the capabilities of OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model, which is known for its advanced problem-solving abilities. Unlike previous models, the o1 model emphasizes taking additional time to reason through complex queries before providing thorough, step-by-step responses. This makes it particularly effective for tackling challenging questions, especially those related to science, coding, and mathematics.
Initially available only to paid subscribers of ChatGPT and Copilot Pro, the o1 reasoning model is now accessible to everyone. Suleyman expressed his excitement over the release, stating, "Today we’ve made Think Deeper free and available for all users of Copilot. I urge you to give it a try. It’s truly magical." This sentiment reflects not just enthusiasm for the technology itself, but also the accessibility it offers to users who previously faced financial barriers.
The Think Deeper feature, which was first rolled out as part of Microsoft’s Copilot Labs last October, is not just about providing answers quicker; it's about enhancing depth and detail. For example, users seeking advice on career changes or exploring educational opportunities can use 'Think Deeper' to receive comprehensive strategies, including potential educational milestones and resources for their specific queries. It also aids users in planning projects and delving deep to investigate various topics succinctly.
But one of the key motivators behind this move may be the competitive pressure from other companies entering the AI space. Recently, the Chinese startup DeepSeek has garnered significant attention after its R1 reasoning model quickly rose to popularity, even surpassing ChatGPT on the Apple App Store. Following DeepSeek's success, Microsoft’s decision to make the o1 model freely available could be interpreted as both enabling competition and retaining user interest. Suleyman acknowledged this competitive atmosphere, highlighting the importance of offering powerful AI tools without the constraints of subscription fees.
To access the new Think Deeper feature, users simply need to log their Microsoft account through the Copilot platform, either on mobile or web. Upon entering their query, they can easily select the 'Think Deeper' option and, with slightly extended wait times for the detailed responses, they'll witness the Copilot analyzing their questions from various angles before delivering answers.
"The possible uses here are really infinite. I’m genuinely so excited..." Suleyman noted, encouraging users to explore the full potential of this new addition. He conveyed hope for future features and enhancements, indicating this latest update is just the beginning of what Microsoft has planned.
While the introduction of the o1 reasoning model to Copilot is poised to change how users interact with AI, it also signifies the rapid evolution of AI services. There’s no doubt the buzz around DeepSeek has paved the way for increased competitiveness among AI companies, leading to faster technological advancements and more accessible tools for everyone.
With simpler access to advanced reasoning capabilities, Copilot Think Deeper aims to assist users not only with everyday tasks but also with more demanding challenges requiring detailed guidance and structured solutions. Lessons learned from this expanded model may inform the future directions of AI development, as companies push for innovation and strive to meet the diverse needs of their user bases.
With tech giants like Microsoft focusing on enhancing their AI offerings, the emphasis on user-friendly experiences alongside powerful capabilities will likely continue to shape the business strategies of AI companies trying to emerge victorious in this ever-evolving marketplace. The incorporation of OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model is not just significant for Microsoft; it sets the stage for broader changes and developments within the tech industry, fostering excitement and curiosity as users begin to experiment with these new tools.