Microsoft has thrown a major disruptive force onto the AI market, announcing free, unlimited access to OpenAI’s powerful o1 model through Copilot’s new “Think Deeper” feature. This move undercuts OpenAI’s own pricing model, which charges users $200 per month for unlimited access via ChatGPT Pro and $20 per month for limited access through ChatGPT Plus. With this announcement, made by Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman, Copilot users “everywhere” will have free access to the o1 model simply by signing in with their Microsoft account.
The Think Deeper feature, part of the Copilot experience, allows users to explore complex topics deeply and generate well-reasoned responses. By toggling the “Think Deeper” option within Copilot, users can leverage the o1 model's advanced reasoning capabilities for tasks ranging from detailed advice generation to comprehensive planning and analysis. Previously, the o1 model was reserved for OpenAI's paid subscribers, making this announcement significant for tens of millions of Microsoft users.
According to Suleyman, "The possible uses here are really infinite. I'm genuinely so excited..." This enthusiasm aligns with Microsoft’s vision of enhancing user experiences through contextual AI assistance, ensuring it is by users' sides as they navigate their digital lives. The intention is clear: Microsoft is positioning Copilot as not just another AI tool, but as the go-to assistant integrated within its software ecosystem.
The o1 model was released by OpenAI back in December 2022 and quickly gained recognition for its exceptional performance—especially within STEM fields—demonstrated by its impressive 86% success rate when solving Mathematics Olympiad problems. Think Deeper capitalizes on such strengths, showing how AI can do much more than provide straightforward answers. With the toggle switched on, users received not just answers to their inquiries but also comprehensive analyses, historical contexts, and additional relevant details.
This strategic shift by Microsoft emerges as it faces competition from other players within the technology space. Just days before Microsoft announced the free access, rival DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model, revealed its own innovative breakthroughs, boasting enhanced performance through cost-effective operational methods. With such alternative models disrupting traditional pricing structures, Microsoft’s decision to absorb the costs linked to the o1 model puts it at the forefront of this transformative industry shift.
“Think Deeper” is facilitated through the existing Copilot framework, which is enabled by default in Windows 11. Users can access it easily by locating the Copilot icon on their taskbars. If not visible, it can be turned on manually via settings adjustments. The practical applications for this mode are substantial—whether tackling coding challenges, providing psychological insights on problems, or solving complex inquiries.
Yet, as Microsoft introduces this innovative feature, it raises important questions for OpenAI. With competition intensifying and Microsoft offering the o1 model for free, can OpenAI sustain its premium pricing for access to models like ChatGPT Pro? The answers are complicated and hinge on how the market adapts to these changes.
While Microsoft has not yet indicated plans to switch to paid models for Think Deeper, the opportunity to dominate AI-powered search, productivity, and cloud computing seems evident. It’s undoubtedly part of Microsoft’s long-term strategy within AI space—a space growing increasingly competitive with rising operational efficiency from firms like DeepSeek.
This burgeoning AI price war puts Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and others on high alert, as the pressure mounts to either adjust pricing strategies significantly or risk losing out to free or competitively priced alternatives. Microsoft’s move to provide access to OpenAI’s o1 model through Copilot fuels intrigue—not just for users, but the industry at large.
This marketplace evolution suggests all stakeholders will need to be flexible and innovative, with Microsoft leading the charge right now. The next several months may prove pivotal for all companies involved, especially OpenAI, as users seek quality efficiencies integrated seamlessly and affordably.