Microsoft is making a bold move by integrating OpenAI’s o1 model into Copilot’s new “Think Deeper” feature, offering advanced AI reasoning for free. Previously, unlimited access to this model required a costly $200 monthly subscription. With this update, Windows users can now access the o1 model without paying, positioning Microsoft as a key player in making top-tier AI tools more accessible to the public.
What is OpenAI’s o1 Model?
Released in December, OpenAI’s o1 model is one of the most advanced AI systems available. CEO Sam Altman claimed it as OpenAI’s most powerful model, designed to handle complex reasoning and generate highly accurate responses. Until now, users needed to subscribe to ChatGPT Pro for $200 per month for unlimited access. The more affordable ChatGPT Plus, priced at $20 per month, only offered limited access to the model.
The “Think Deeper” Feature in Copilot
On Wednesday, Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s Chief of AI, announced that the o1 model would now be accessible through Copilot’s “Think Deeper” feature at no cost. This feature enhances Copilot’s ability to generate detailed, well-researched responses, setting it apart from the more surface-level answers Copilot has been known to provide. Users can activate “Think Deeper” by simply toggling the option before entering a query.
How to Access ChatGPT’s o1 Model for Free
Accessing the o1 model is straightforward: Windows users can open the Copilot app or visit copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with a Microsoft account. Since Copilot is now a Progressive Web App (PWA), it functions like a webpage, making it widely accessible. Once inside, users must enable the “Think Deeper” toggle to ensure they receive detailed and insightful responses from the AI.
The Capabilities of Think Deeper
Unlike traditional search engines, Think Deeper specializes in thoughtful and analytical responses rather than retrieving real-time data. It is particularly useful for educational topics, research inquiries, and coding assistance. Users can ask it to explain scientific processes, analyze historical events, or even generate and explain complex code. For example, when prompted to create a basic Windows application that draws a maze based on a user’s first name, it generated custom C# source files in seconds.
Will Microsoft Charge for Think Deeper?
At present, Microsoft has not indicated any plans to charge for the Think Deeper feature. There is no mention of a subscription fee, one-time payment, or the credit-based system used in Microsoft 365 Copilot Plus. While Microsoft has previously introduced premium features through subscriptions, there is no confirmation that Think Deeper will follow this model. A Microsoft representative has yet to respond to inquiries about potential future pricing.
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The Future of AI in Copilot and Beyond
As AI technology continues to advance, the competition between Microsoft and OpenAI remains intense. OpenAI has already announced the next iteration, o3, which promises even more sophisticated reasoning through a “private chain of thought.” Benchmarks suggest that o3 is superior in software engineering and logical problem-solving, though it is unlikely to be free. Whether Microsoft will integrate o3 into Copilot in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Windows users can enjoy advanced AI capabilities at no cost.
