On Monday, Microsoft revealed its latest offering: the introduction of a paid version of its chatbot, Copilot, named Copilot Pro. This premium option, priced at $20 per month, opens up a plethora of advanced features across the entire suite of Microsoft applications. Subscribers to Copilot Pro will enjoy enhanced AI capabilities in Microsoft Office apps, including improved AI image generation features.
Notably, users will have the privilege of utilizing cutting-edge OpenAI models such as GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo, even during peak usage times. In contrast, those without a Pro plan will now be limited to accessing GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo exclusively during non-peak hours. The paid subscription not only grants access to Copilot in Microsoft’s core applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but extends to Outlook and the OneNote app as well.
Microsoft’s strategic move towards a paid version of Copilot aligns with its ambition to monetize its substantial investment in OpenAI. Over the past decade, Microsoft has invested a considerable $10 billion in OpenAI, aiming to expand its influence and productivity in the market. This financial commitment is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to compete with and potentially surpass Google in the search market, leveraging AI-driven tools like Bing chat and the Edge browser.
Microsoft emphasizes that Copilot Pro ensures a consistent experience across various platforms, catering to laptop, mobile, Android, and iOS users alike. Additionally, Copilot Pro offers users the flexibility to customize the Copilot GPTs for different topics, enhancing the user’s ability to tailor the experience to their specific needs.
While specific data on the number of users willing to subscribe to the Copilot Pro plan is currently unavailable, Microsoft anticipates that those interested in exploring the generative AI features and leveraging AI-powered tools will find the $20 monthly investment worthwhile.