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.
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.
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.
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?
Source: Evrim Ağacı https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/microsoft-makes-openais-o1-model-free-for-copilot-users-176777
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
Source: Evrim Ağacı https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/microsoft-makes-openais-o1-model-free-for-copilot-users-176777
