Unlocking AI Genius: Microsoft Copilot Introduces ChatGPT-o1 Model for All Users

Microsoft has just dropped an exciting (and slightly brainier) gift for its Copilot users: ChatGPT’s o1 deep reasoning model is now available across all subscription tiers, including the free one. Yes, even you, lurking on the free tier, can now access a more thoughtful, nuanced AI assistant experience. But—because there’s always a but—there are limitations, and I’m here to walk you through them.

What Exactly Is the ChatGPT-o1 Reasoning Model?​

The o1 reasoning model is more than just an incremental upgrade to ChatGPT; it represents a fundamental leap in how AI tackles your questions. Think of it as ChatGPT hitting the gym and upgrading from solving "simple math problems" to “dismantling a Rubik's cube blindfolded.” Launched as part of OpenAI’s festive “12 days of OpenAI” campaign in December 2024, this model specializes in breaking down intricate or multi-layered prompts into smaller, digestible pieces, analyzing each step, and then stitching it all back together in a coherent, laser-focused response.
For example, instead of just offering a cursory response when you ask for “career advice,” it might lay out a roadmap specifying milestone goals, provide examples for roles pertinent to your field, and even suggest online resources to upskill. It also applies logic in ways previous iterations (basic ChatGPT models like GPT-3) simply couldn't.
By integrating this technology, Microsoft has turned its Copilot AI into a brainstorming partner that truly “thinks deeper.”

What’s New in Microsoft Copilot?​

The Think Deeper Button​

The Copilot app, available for both web and mobile platforms, now has a shiny new “Think Deeper” button. Clicking this activates the o1 reasoning model for your queries. Think of it as an energy drink for your prompt—giving your mundane searches a hyper-intelligent boost.
But this extra brainpower comes with a brief waiting time; responses using the deeper reasoning algorithm take longer than standard queries. Patience will be rewarded, though, as “Think Deeper” unpacks queries in incredible detail.

Use Cases for the o1 Model​

Microsoft highlights scenarios where your AI assistant could really shine using the advanced o1 model:

• Life coaching and career decisions: Need guidance for a career switch? Wondering whether to take that leap into a new field? Copilot now combines intelligent advisors and a mentor under one digital roof.
• Education deep dives: Copilot becomes your de facto study buddy, explaining complex concepts in areas like biology, history, or mathematics.
• Creative aches: Whether you’re drafting a book proposal or curating ambitious vacation plans, making it work just got far easier.

Copilot’s rollout of this model is part of its ongoing push to democratize access to high-quality AI reasoning. Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, advertised this tool as “truly magical” in an enthusiastic announcement on X (formerly Twitter). But is this magic unbounded? Unfortunately, no.

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The Limitations (Because There’s Always Fine Print)​

Usage Caps on Free and Paid Tiers​

At first, early adopters assumed unlimited access to this “deep reasoning” mode. Reality check: Microsoft does impose usage limits, even for Pro users. However, as complaints piled up, Microsoft bumped up the quotas for both free and professional tiers. While they haven't disclosed exact numbers, enthusiasm seems higher after this adjustment.
For developers, businesses, or users hoping for unlimited deep-dive reasoning powers, a Copilot Pro subscription might buy more wiggle room. Alternatively, those with a ChatGPT Plus subscription ($20/month) via OpenAI already enjoy direct access to this reasoning model alongside others.

Performance Trade-offs​

The flip side of “deeper reasoning” is time. While the older iterations of ChatGPT were prompt zippy, o1 requires more computational heft. So if you're someone who values immediacy over complexity, this addition might not suit every daily-use scenario.

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A Glimpse Into the Future: On the Horizon—ChatGPT-o3​

Now that both free and paid Copilot accounts get to revel in o1 reasoning magic, it’s worth noting there’s already talk of a better reasoning model, ChatGPT-o3. OpenAI has teased that they’ll soon introduce o3 support to free-tier users. In all likelihood, we’re just seeing the groundwork for increasingly sophisticated AI democratization as companies—like Microsoft—stride ahead in making once-premium tech accessible for everyone.
What is ChatGPT-o3 rumored to bring to the table? Enhanced speed, context awareness, and more human-like multi-modal reasoning (yes, it could analyze pictures and graphs alongside text). Microsoft could soon implement this into tools like Office 365 Copilot as it works toward tighter OpenAI integration.

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Why Does It Matter for Windows Users?​

Microsoft’s AI Ecosystem Continues to Grow​

With features like deep reasoning creeping into Copilot and Office applications like Word and Excel, it’s clear that AI isn’t just pivoting industries; it’s ripping the steering wheel into its hands. Microsoft 365 subscribers already get perks like Copilot access baked into their software suite, and now free-tier users get to try “premium” reasoning capabilities (in moderation).
The company’s evolving AI collaboration strategy—centered on Copilot and rooted in OpenAI’s GPT tech—is turning existing tools into intelligent workspaces. Imagine having “AI colleagues” embedded into emails (Outlook) or seamlessly implementing data insights in Excel without custom formulas.

Deeper Questions for Enterprise​

Corporate users now face a dilemma: while free tools like this offer incredible cognitive firepower, where does this leave local AI adoption for proprietary systems? By embedding world-class AI reasoning into free tools like Copilot, Microsoft is potentially steering smaller businesses away from traditional expensive custom AI solutions.

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What Should You Do Next?​

Curious Windows users, this is your chance to get your hands dirty:

• Try the "Think Deeper" Button: If you’re a Copilot user, test a few challenging questions.
• Gauge the Quota Reality: Keep track of how fast you hit the reasoning limit, especially in free mode.
• Stay Tuned for o3: If Microsoft adds o3 anytime soon, prepare to test the boundaries of what your AI assistant can do.

While OpenAI-powered reasoning was once confined to paid walls, this move feels like a giant leap toward fairer access. So yes, there are growing pains (limits) and compromises (waiting time), but this marks an exciting time for both casual users looking to dip their toes into AI—so let’s think deeper, click smarter, and stay curious!
What are your thoughts on Copilot bringing serious reasoning power to everyone? Share your experiences and experiments below!

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Source: TechRadar Microsoft Copilot just gave you ChatGPT’s second best reasoning model for free, but there are some limitations