Well, well, well, look who’s trying to stay relevant in the AI game. Microsoft has just announced that its Copilot Assistant can now “Think Deeper” for free. Yes, you heard that right. What was once an experimental paid feature is now available to all users without the need for a Copilot Pro subscription. Why the sudden generosity, you ask? Let’s dive into the not-so-subtle reasons behind this move.
For those who missed the memo, the “Think Deeper” feature allows Microsoft’s Copilot Assistant to tackle more complex questions with step-by-step responses. Launched as an experimental paid feature in select markets back in October, it was supposed to be the next big thing in AI assistance. But now, it’s free for everyone. Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, proudly announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that this feature no longer requires a Copilot Pro subscription. “This now gives everyone access to OpenAI’s world-class reasoning model in Copilot, everywhere at no cost,” he said. How magnanimous.
Let’s not kid ourselves. This move isn’t just about making advanced AI accessible to the masses. It’s a direct response to the rising competition from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that’s been making waves with its cost-effective AI models. DeepSeek’s AI assistant has become the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone store, and it’s giving U.S. tech giants a run for their money.
DeepSeek’s AI models are built at a fraction of the cost of their U.S. counterparts, using less-advanced chips to operate their AI. This has led to a significant reduction in the cost of AI development, making it more accessible to smaller players in the industry. The result? A more level playing field and increased competition for established AI companies like Microsoft and OpenAI.
To add to the confusion, the consumer version of Microsoft’s Copilot Assistant has a different UI from the new Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which is the rebranded Microsoft 365 (previously “Office”) app. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app supports Copilot Chat, but only for commercial customers at the moment. Yes, it’s a bit of a mess.
To enable “Think Deeper,” users just need to tap the button, submit their prompt, and wait for Copilot to generate its answer. Simple enough, right? But let’s be real, this move is also a desperate attempt to keep up with the cheaper competition from DeepSeek.
Microsoft’s decision to make the “Think Deeper” feature free is a clear attempt to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. By offering advanced AI capabilities at no cost, Microsoft hopes to attract more users and maintain its position as a leader in the AI space. But let’s not forget, this is also about survival in a market that’s becoming increasingly crowded with cheaper, more accessible alternatives.
So, while Microsoft is busy trying to keep its head above water in the AI industry, the competition is fierce, and companies are being forced to innovate and adapt to stay ahead. It’s a wild ride, and we’re just getting started.
