Microsoft might have left the tech world buzzing with their latest announcement about integrating OpenAI’s o1 model into their AI-driven Copilot. But brace yourself, WindowsForum members—those tracks of AI gold might just come with an invisible fence. Heads up! There’s more beneath the surface with this so-called "free" feature than meets the eye. Let’s unpack what's happening, how it affects you as a Windows user, and whether this is groundbreaking innovation or a god of technology pulling the rug from underneath us.
The o1 model isn't AI for the faint-hearted. This device is a reasoning engine designed to answer questions and solve problems with an unparalleled depth. Think of asking Copilot something outrageous—like writing code stitched with philosophy references, or coming up with an algorithm for poetry generation—and getting a response that’s almost lyrical itself. That’s the magic of this new AI “freebie.” It’s smart, captivating, and eerily human-like.
But—we kid you not—this Ferrari AI might be running on empty fuel if you press the throttle too hard.
Here’s their cryptic explanation:
This opacity raises unsettling parallels—users suddenly asking themselves if Microsoft is systematically commoditizing AI under layers of foggy restrictions. Are we, the users, being reset to "freemium testers" for monetizing AI, rather than co-beneficiaries of innovation?
And, don’t forget, Microsoft already applies AI-related caps elsewhere. For instance, AI Designer or Copilot Plus under their Microsoft 365 subscriptions only allows 60 interactions as part of an “AI credit allotment”! After that, it slams the brakes down unless you pay up via subscription or expansion credits. Given this, Think Deeper may be trodding the same path—showing you the goods but eventually turning it into paid exclusivity.
But what happens when these gods of silicon “switch off” at key moments? It's one thing for an AI like Copilot to stop answering casual queries, but what about high-stakes environments? Imagine drafting an intricate legal contract or performing code diagnostics, only to find Think Deeper temporarily "out of office." Is this acceptable behavior for systems billed as essential productivity tools? One thing is certain: Microsoft should teach its AI to be dependable rather than mysterious.
Let us know if you’ve tried out Think Deeper on Copilot yet! Share your successes, frustrations, or even theories about those sneaky rate limits below. The Windows community needs to crowdsource the truth on this one.
Source: PCWorld https://www.pcworld.com/article/2595110/microsofts-latest-ai-feature-may-just-stop-working-heres-why.html
The Promise of “Think Deeper” in Microsoft Copilot
Imagine a shiny new lever on your Microsoft Copilot dashboard labeled “Think Deeper.” Sounds futuristic and intellectual, doesn’t it? Think Deeper aims to leverage OpenAI’s o1 model, dubbed one of the more advanced reasoning AI models in AI’s growing toolkit. OpenAI itself monetarily values this model at $20/month for its limited use and a steep $200/month for unlimited super-pro plan access. So when Microsoft says they're bringing this model to you for free within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, you’d think it’s like being offered a Ferrari for the price of a bus ticket. Spoiler alert: There's a catch.The o1 model isn't AI for the faint-hearted. This device is a reasoning engine designed to answer questions and solve problems with an unparalleled depth. Think of asking Copilot something outrageous—like writing code stitched with philosophy references, or coming up with an algorithm for poetry generation—and getting a response that’s almost lyrical itself. That’s the magic of this new AI “freebie.” It’s smart, captivating, and eerily human-like.
But—we kid you not—this Ferrari AI might be running on empty fuel if you press the throttle too hard.
The Invisible Barrier: Rate Limits That May Frustrate You
As hinted in Microsoft’s announcement, the exceptional “Think Deeper” feature seems to come with these pesky "rate limits." Here's the kicker: Microsoft isn’t telling anyone what these limits actually are. They’ve practically created the AI equivalent of an escape room. You're toggling Copilot to "Think Deeper," only to have Microsoft slyly whisper, "Hey, don’t do it too much," without elaborating how much "too much" is.Here’s their cryptic explanation:
- Limited Weekly Queries: Copilot Pro subscribers are automatically given more opportunities to use Think Deeper in a given week compared to free-tier users.
- Variable Turn Limits: Your allotted number of interactions depends on how busy AI servers are when you access Copilot. Essentially, when millions of users request advice about deep philosophical dilemmas or debugging scenarios, your request might get bumped down the queue—or worse, the tool vanishes for you temporarily.
- Error Roulette: If you max out those elusive “deep thoughts” credits, you’ll either hit an error wall or see Copilot ghost you entirely without a goodbye.
Why Keep These Limits Secret?
Microsoft’s secrecy here is honestly the most rattling aspect of this entire operation—and yes, it warrants skepticism. Transparency is the lifeblood of user trust, especially in tech. By not revealing the exact usage quota, Microsoft leaves users fumbling in the dark. Is it 50 interactions per week? More? Less? OpenAI, for example, placed a clear limit of 50 requests per week during their o1 model preview phase. Why can’t Microsoft do the same?This opacity raises unsettling parallels—users suddenly asking themselves if Microsoft is systematically commoditizing AI under layers of foggy restrictions. Are we, the users, being reset to "freemium testers" for monetizing AI, rather than co-beneficiaries of innovation?
And, don’t forget, Microsoft already applies AI-related caps elsewhere. For instance, AI Designer or Copilot Plus under their Microsoft 365 subscriptions only allows 60 interactions as part of an “AI credit allotment”! After that, it slams the brakes down unless you pay up via subscription or expansion credits. Given this, Think Deeper may be trodding the same path—showing you the goods but eventually turning it into paid exclusivity.
How This Development Shapes AI Integration for Windows Users
So, what does this mean for you as a Microsoft Windows or productivity suite (365) user?Pros:
- Value Proposition: Accessing OpenAI’s o1 model for free via Think Deeper (even with undefined limits) is still a stellar value-add if you’re already invested in Microsoft services.
- Next-Level Assistance: Whether you’re drafting critical business reports, needing life-solving code snippets, or wanting something creative, Think Deeper lets you experiment with an advanced AI engine right inside your productivity suite.
- Seamless AI Integration: Microsoft has excelled in making AI feel organic within Office apps like Word, Excel, and Teams—all part of the grand Copilot vision.
Cons:
- Rate Limit Roulette:
- Limitations mean frustration, especially without full disclosure.
- Users leveraging Copilot for deeper troubleshooting or extensive workflows risk being cut off when they need AI most.
- Subscription Confusion: Free-tier users might suspect they’re being shortchanged while Pro users wonder why their access randomly flickers.
- Transparency Concerns: AI shouldn’t behave like a moody genie granting wishes as per an "invisible queue." A lack of clarity erodes trust over time.
Bigger Picture: Are AI Gods Learning to Ghost Us?
The analogy drawn by Mark Hachman of PCWorld comparing AI to capricious gods is especially evocative. Back in the day, people offered sacrifices hoping for divine attention. With the advent of AI, we offer our data and time to machines—expecting them to reliably respond, simulate human understanding, or execute new possibilities.But what happens when these gods of silicon “switch off” at key moments? It's one thing for an AI like Copilot to stop answering casual queries, but what about high-stakes environments? Imagine drafting an intricate legal contract or performing code diagnostics, only to find Think Deeper temporarily "out of office." Is this acceptable behavior for systems billed as essential productivity tools? One thing is certain: Microsoft should teach its AI to be dependable rather than mysterious.
What Should WindowsForum Members Do?
- Experiment Responsibly: Try Think Deeper’s toggle NOW while it’s included in the package and “free.” Familiarize yourself with its quirks—but leave some leeway for uncertainty.
- Track Behavior: Keep note of error messages, feature locks, or abrupt usage halts. Share these experiences on forums like WindowsForum.com.
- Stay Aware of Alternatives: If Microsoft begins charging ruthlessly for Think Deeper under bigger caps, evaluate OpenAI's own pricing or competing models for your workflow.
The Verdict
Think Deeper is like holding a lightning bolt in a teacup—it’s powerful, exciting, and, unfortunately, limited by its restrictive framework. Microsoft clearly sees the value—and potential monetization—of gifting Copilot AI wings only to clip them halfway. The tech giant must weigh its need for profit against loyal user satisfaction. As clever as the name "Think Deeper" might sound, users could soon find themselves thinking about one thing very deeply: Why doesn’t Microsoft just tell us the rules upfront?Let us know if you’ve tried out Think Deeper on Copilot yet! Share your successes, frustrations, or even theories about those sneaky rate limits below. The Windows community needs to crowdsource the truth on this one.
Source: PCWorld https://www.pcworld.com/article/2595110/microsofts-latest-ai-feature-may-just-stop-working-heres-why.html
