No More $200 Subscription: Microsoft Makes OpenAI o1 Model Free for Copilot Users

In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft is offering unlimited access to OpenAI’s powerful o1 model at no cost through the Copilot app’s new “Think Deeper” feature.

This marks a significant shift in AI accessibility, as OpenAI previously charged $200/month for unlimited access to the o1 model with its ChatGPT Pro subscription.

“Think Deeper” is a thoughtful, more detailed version of Copilot, designed to handle complex research and in-depth analysis, such as relating scientific concepts or explaining historical events. It also excels in writing code and providing detailed explanations.

Users can activate the feature easily by turning on the “Think Deeper” toggle within the Copilot app, available either as a Progressive Web App (PWA) or through copilot.microsoft.com.

Microsoft’s decision to make this feature free, with no hidden costs or subscriptions, contrasts sharply with the $20/month ChatGPT Plus service, which offers limited access to the same model.

With the AI industry advancing quickly, this move by Microsoft is set to democratize access to cutting-edge AI technology for Windows users, especially in research and software development tasks.

While OpenAI has already released its next iteration, o3, which promises even greater capabilities, it is unlikely to be free, signaling that the race for the most powerful AI solutions continues.