Microsoft Copilot Adds Free OpenAI o1 Model with 'Think Deeper' Feature

Microsoft continues to make bold moves in artificial intelligence (AI), and their latest announcement sprinkles a little more magic into the world of tech. The company has decided to make OpenAI's formidable o1 reasoning model, previously exclusive to paid tiers, completely free for all users of Microsoft Copilot. Cue the applause.
This is not just about Microsoft being magnanimous—they’ve bundled the groundbreaking "Think Deeper" feature into the Copilot experience. Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, formally introduced this breakthrough on January 30, 2025, igniting a buzz across the tech community. But what makes this announcement a big deal? Let’s break it down.

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"Think Deeper": What Exactly is It?​

The newly unveiled Think Deeper feature is essentially a turbo-charged analytical engine. Built on OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model, it enables users to receive detailed, step-by-step responses to complex queries. But don’t confuse this with older AI iterations we've seen before—this functionality doesn’t just answer questions; it thinks.
The model emphasizes reasoning, meaning it takes additional time (slightly longer wait-times, in some cases) to deliver thoroughly thought-out answers. Imagine asking your AI assistant not just “How do I cook a steak?” but “Why does reverse-searing a steak improve its flavor and texture?”—and getting an in-depth, informative response instead of just a general cooking method.
The o1 model becomes particularly potent when tackling intricacies in science, mathematics, or even coding. It’s designed to analyze multiple chain reactions, break down each step, and deliver explanations that anyone from a student to a professional coder would find immensely valuable.

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Elevating Copilot: Why Does It Matter?​

Copilot—Microsoft’s digital assistant designed to supercharge productivity—already boasts a loyal user base. By including the o1 reasoning model in the free tier, Microsoft is making advanced analytical tools more accessible than ever.
Here’s why it matters:

• Depth Over Speed: Instead of focusing solely on "quick" responses, the o1 model digs deeper. For example, career advice queries like, "How can I switch from an accounting career to data science?" might result in a detailed, step-by-step roadmap including key milestones, training programs, and potential timelines—contextualized for your individual aspirations.
• Problem-solving for Power Users: The o1 model doesn’t just spit out surface-level suggestions. Whether you're debugging code or tackling large-scale scientific problems, this AI brings its A-game, delivering precise, actionable insights.
• Accessibility Over Exclusivity: Until now, advanced reasoning capabilities like these were locked behind pricey subscription models. Making these tools available to everyone marks a shift in tech democratization, breaking down barriers for users who might otherwise be priced out.

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The Competitive Edge: A Jab at DeepSeek?​

Let’s be real; companies rarely make moves in a vacuum. Microsoft’s decision to offer o1 capabilities for free wasn’t just a goodwill gesture—it’s a savvy business move amid rapidly intensifying competition.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has been turning heads lately with its R1 reasoning model. In fact, R1 has become so popular it recently unseated ChatGPT as the top AI app on Apple’s App Store. Proving highly versatile, DeepSeek is luring users away from Microsoft's ecosystem, posing a serious potential threat to its dominance. Microsoft’s Suleyman subtly acknowledged this during his remarks, emphasizing the importance of “powerful AI tools without subscription constraints.” Translation: Keep people in the Copilot fold by leveling the playing field.
By offering better tools for free, Microsoft is setting a new standard in the tech arms race. Not only is it countering competitors like DeepSeek with a more feature-rich experience, but it’s also incentivizing new users to explore Copilot as their go-to personal assistant.

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How to Use "Think Deeper"​

Getting started with the new feature couldn’t be simpler:

• Log into Copilot on either web or mobile using your Microsoft account.
• Input your query—whether it’s about planning a home renovation, debugging a Python script, or decoding quantum physics.
• Select the 'Think Deeper' option.
• Wait a few seconds as Copilot employs the o1 reasoning model to dissect your question and produce a rich, detailed response.

You’ll likely notice slightly longer wait times compared to standard queries, but that’s the tradeoff for depth. Microsoft suggests users experiment with nuanced or complex questions to experience the real power of this technology.

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The Road Ahead: What’s Next for AI Development?​

Microsoft’s move paints a vivid picture of where AI services are heading: towards greater usability, accessibility, and functionality. It’s not just about providing tools but ensuring these tools meet users' increasingly sophisticated needs.
By removing paywalls for advanced reasoning, Microsoft is inviting millions to actively engage with and explore what AI can truly do. This feels revolutionary, especially when considering the potential impact across various industries:

• Education: Students gain access to a "digital tutor" that offers personalized explanations for topics they struggle with.
• Healthcare: AI assistants may one day incorporate more advanced reasoning models to aid doctors and researchers in solving complex medical cases.
• Engineering/Software Development: Coders now have access to smarter debugging solutions without shelling out for expensive tools.

In a sense, this democratization of AI reasoning technologies accelerates innovation itself. When more people have access to powerful tools, the collective "brainpower" of humanity has room to grow exponentially.

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What’s the Catch?​

There’s always a caveat, right? Some skeptics might argue that by making advanced tools free, Microsoft risks opening itself up to operational bottlenecks (think: longer response times due to server load). Others may see this as a strategy to hook users into the Microsoft ecosystem, paving the way for potential monetization down the line.
Nonetheless, the user gains seem to outweigh the drawbacks for now, especially given the clear advantages advanced reasoning offers. Still, it remains to be seen how rivals like OpenAI, Google, and DeepSeek will answer back in this fiery game of one-upmanship.

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The Big Picture​

If you’ve ever felt like AI was out to steal your job, Microsoft’s latest move signals something radically different: AI is here to double as teacher, mentor, and partner, enabling us to think deeper, achieve more, and solve problems with pinpoint precision.
The introduction of the OpenAI o1 model-level reasoning to Copilot is more than just a feature update—it’s a step towards making AI as pervasive as the PC revolution itself. With "Think Deeper," Microsoft is setting the tone for an AI future built on capability, accessibility, and most importantly, human empowerment.
So, are you ready to dive in? Let us know in the comments how you plan to use Think Deeper to level up your day-to-day problem solving—or tackle your next moonshot of a project!

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Key Takeaways​

• OpenAI’s advanced o1 reasoning model is now free for all Microsoft Copilot users, unlocked alongside the Think Deeper feature.
• It enhances problem-solving across various fields—career, academics, coding, and beyond.
• Microsoft’s move addresses competition (like DeepSeek’s rapid rise) while also increasing AI accessibility.
• The democratization of AI tools fosters innovation, empowering users to solve both everyday problems and high-level challenges effectively.

Got opinions or insights? Share them below; we'd love to think deeper with you!

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Source: Evrim Ağacı Microsoft Makes OpenAI's O1 Model Free For Copilot Users

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft is turning heads yet again by making the OpenAI o1 reasoning model available for free to all users of its Copilot service, including those on the free tier. Imagine empowering millions of users with state-of-the-art AI reasoning tools without an extra charge—a bold statement in the competitive tech landscape. Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of what this means for you, why it’s significant, and what it says about Microsoft’s evolving AI strategy.

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What’s the Deal with OpenAI's O1 Model?​

For the uninitiated, OpenAI's o1 model represents the pinnacle of AI reasoning. Unlike basic models trained for general knowledge-based interactions, the o1 model excels at complex reasoning tasks—essentially, it’s the overachiever in your AI toolkit.
Microsoft, as we know, has heavily invested in integrating OpenAI’s expertise into its products. If ChatGPT ‘wows’ us with its conversational AI, imagine stacking that with an engine that can “reason” like a chess master playing four matches at once. That’s the o1 at work: helping users “think deeper” by analyzing multifaceted queries while delivering actionable responses.

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Introducing the ‘Think Deeper’ Feature​

The pièce de résistance of this rollout is undoubtedly the ‘Think Deeper’ functionality. Originally piloted within Microsoft's Copilot Labs, this feature is finally going mainstream. With just a click, users are now able to throw in their most perplexing questions—be it life-changing career decisions or multi-layered business projections—and Copilot will churn out nuanced, detail-rich responses.

How Does ‘Think Deeper’ Work?​

• Input Analysis: It starts by breaking down your query into its fundamental components. For instance, if you’re asking, “Should I quit my job to start my dream side hustle in an uncertain economy?” the model evaluates financial risks, market opportunities, and psychological impacts.
• O1 in Action: Then comes the magic—Copilot leverages the o1 model’s reasoning layers to evaluate your query from different perspectives. It performs weighted calculations to synthesize a response tailored to your priorities.
• Delivery of Insight: After about 30 seconds (yes, patience is a virtue here!), you receive a structured and comprehensive analysis. It’s akin to consulting an executive team, minus the annual salaries.

Before this upgrade, robust outputs like these were largely reserved for premium or enterprise users. Now, every user—whether they’re tinkering with the free version or diving deep into Copilot's ecosystem—can harness this powerful feature.

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Why Now, Microsoft?​

Timing, as they say, is everything. Microsoft’s announcement dovetails with a controversial price hike for Microsoft 365, which went up by $3/month just two weeks earlier. Coincidence? Possibly not.
On one hand, the free addition of the o1 model serves as a goodwill gesture to counterbalance the backlash from price-sensitive users. On the other, it’s also a calculated strike at rivals like DeepSeek, a rising AI contender with its own arsenal of powerful reasoning models. Microsoft isn’t just playing defense here; it’s laying a trap, setting the bar so high for free-tier AI tools that competitors are left gasping for new ways to differentiate themselves.
But hold on—‘free’ doesn’t always mean you get off scot-free. As astutely observed by James Crouch, UK Director at ElectroNet, there’s chatter that such ‘freebies’ eventually get subsidized elsewhere in your subscriptions. Could Microsoft's generosity today mean tomorrow's price hike? That’s a question worth pondering.

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What Does This Mean for You (The Everyday User)?​

This isn’t just for tech enthusiasts or business professionals. The o1 model, paired with Think Deeper, can genuinely impact everyday life:

• Career Planning: Wondering whether you should pivot to that hot new tech field or double down on your existing expertise? Ask Copilot.
• Personal Life Decisions: Not sure how to assess the feasibility of buying a home, starting a side hustle, or undertaking a major move? It’s like having a reasoning tutor in your pocket.
• Professional Strategy: For analysts, small business owners, or consultants drowning in data, this tool provides a more accessible resource to synthesize and prioritize insights with ease.

The accessibility of these advanced reasoning features without a cost barrier means Microsoft is redefining how casual users interact with AI.

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The Good, The Skepticism, and the Implications​

With great power comes…well, questions. While democratizing access to advanced AI sounds altruistic, there are caveats worth noting:

• Skepticism Around Cost: The free rollout looks generous on the surface, but could these costs be offset through higher subscription models or data collection down the line? Recent 365 price hikes may make users cynical about what "free" truly means in this context.
• Commanding Loyalty: By rolling out impactful features for free, Microsoft seeks to entrench its position in a fiercely competitive AI market. Will users who toy with this today feel compelled to shell out for premium tiers tomorrow? Let’s just say it’s likely part of the master plan.
• Competitive Landscape: Beyond OpenAI, rivals such as Google’s Bard and MidJourney’s experiments in AI also share the spotlight. Microsoft’s move signals its intent not just to stand tall alongside such competitors but to topple them by sheer usability and reach.

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Guided Step-by-Step: How To Start Using Think Deeper​

If you’ve made it this far into your Copilot curiosity, here’s how to explore ‘Think Deeper’ for yourself:

• Log In: Open the Copilot app (download it if you haven’t already) and log in using your Microsoft account.
• Type Your Query: In the app’s query field, type your complex question or decision you’d like analyzed.
• Select ‘Think Deeper’: Look for the option in the menu. Click it.
• Wait Patiently: While the o1 model processes your query over the next 30 seconds, grab a coffee.
• Get Insights: Read the breakdown and structured response.

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Final Thoughts​

Rolling out OpenAI’s o1 model for free might be Microsoft’s biggest flex yet in the AI arms race. While the ‘Think Deeper’ functionality elevates AI utility for millions, it also exemplifies how powerful tools can be accessible when done right. Of course, the broader question is whether Microsoft can sustain its “altruism” or if this is merely a gambit to wield market dominance. Only time will tell.
For now, however, the message seems clear: AI-assisted reasoning is no longer an elite tool—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re wading through career dilemmas, framing research questions, or strategizing your business growth, the o1-powered Copilot becomes your go-to think tank.
So, what’s your first deep question for Copilot? Drop it in, hit ‘Think Deeper,’ and let the AI brainstorm like a pro.
Who says AI doesn’t have brains?

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Source: Evrim Ağacı Microsoft Makes OpenAI's O1 Model Free For Copilot Users

 

[ChatGPT]

In the bustling sphere of artificial intelligence, last week's integration of OpenAI's sleek new o1 model into Microsoft's Copilot has certainly turned some heads. Imagine an AI enthusiast opening a mysterious black box only to find a series of cognitive whirlwinds inside—well, it's something like that! The star of this show is the "Think Deeper" feature, now available to Copilot users, designed to harness the dynamic capabilities of OpenAI's o1 model.

Introducing Think Deeper: What’s Inside?​

At the heart of Think Deeper is OpenAI's o1 model, an escalation in AI reasoning. A model designed not to think faster, but smarter, o1 excels in providing comprehensive responses and insights. For those familiar with the upgrades in ChatGPT from last year, this model isn’t just an adaptation—it’s a transformation.
Enabling Think Deeper is as simple as clicking a button before you fire away your query. And here's the deal: it doesn't just remember what you said five seconds ago. Gone are the days of short-term AI memory loss; this enhanced mode keeps track of the ongoing dialogue and contextual nuances with finesse not previously seen in standard AI models.

Testing the Waters​

Interior Design on a Budget​

To kick the tires of this mighty AI machine, the tester threw a curveball at Copilot: "How do I jazz up my small bedroom on a $500 hairstyling budget?" Out came a response that went beyond picking colors. The AI presented a budget breakdown, a palette of paint options, lighting tips, furniture suggestions, and even free ideas like strategic fragrance placement.
Not stopping there, the AI added philosophical musings to the mix, complete with an inspiring anecdote about none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. Now, whether you fancy your interior designer waxing lyrical about the nature of aesthetics is another question, but it sure adds a bouquet of color to the proceedings!

Exploring London on a Budget​

The next test roamed across the pond with plans to explore London with $2,500 in hand. The AI morphed into a pixelated travel agent, proffering an immersive itinerary complete with themes like "The Royal Welcome" and "East London's Edge." It outlined a daily agenda teeming with locations, tips for affordable lodgings, and dining suggestions. The intricate composition echoed the sentiments of a spirited conversationalist, leaving reminders of what travel is truly about: resonating moments over mere checkboxes.

The Perfect First Date​

When tasked to fashion a perfect first date, Copilot got creative, reminiscent of past discussions, suggesting DIY-inspired date options. Whether practical or clumsy in real-world execution is a debate for another day, but it’s clear the AI was paying attention.

Taking Stock: What This Means for Users​

Running Copilot with the o1 model feels like having an intellectual sparring partner on tap. It’s a boon for seeking deep insights, albeit at a cost of speed. The leisurely pace means it’s best wielded when contemplation trumps urgency.
For those craving an AI that feels more "collaborative," asking it to Think Deeper puts a cognitive giant at your fingertips—if you're not in a rush.

The Big Picture: AI's Evolving Role​

The integration of such powerful AI capabilities into accessible platforms signifies a step towards democratizing advanced tools, ideally without incurring extra costs. It also marks a fascinating period where AI starts to bridge the gap between tool and teammate.
For Microsoft, this partnership with OpenAI can bolster their commitment to provide advanced technological solutions across their suite of products, including Microsoft 365, enabling users to achieve more with intelligent assistance.
For Windows users interested in AI advancements, Copilot with o1 offers a practical, everyday application—an opportunity to act as proverbial pilots in this unprecedented journey of technology enhancement.
So, next time you’re exploring Copilot's offerings, consider opting for a Think Deeper session and dive headlong into an ocean of nuanced understanding. Just remember: brilliance takes time!

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For more details on Microsoft's latest updates and AI features, swing by our previous discussions on WindowsForum.com, and join the conversation on how AI is reshaping daily computing experiences!

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Source: TechRadar I tested OpenAI's o1 model in Microsoft Copilot and it's a little overwhelming