Microsoft’s Copilot AI Assistant Set to Introduce Paid Subscription with New ‘Copilot Pro’ Tier
Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant, which has been available for free, is set to introduce a paid subscription service called ‘Copilot Pro.’ The move comes after Microsoft invested billions in integrating ChatGPT into its AI assistant for Edge, Bing, and Windows 11. A recent code leak discovered in Edge browser updates for Android reveals references to the upcoming ‘Copilot Pro’ tier.
Currently, users can access Copilot, formerly known as Bing Chat, for free and even enjoy limited access to the latest AI model, GPT-4 Turbo. However, with the introduction of Copilot Pro, it appears that Microsoft is planning to implement a paywall upsell, similar to ChatGPT Plus, which currently costs $20 per month.
The code references found in Edge offer insights into the features that may be included in the Copilot Pro subscription. These features are expected to include access to the newest AI models, priority server access, and high-quality image generation. It is likely that a free version of Copilot will still be available, but the extensive range of free AI perks provided by Microsoft may be reduced.
The decision to introduce a paid subscription is understandable considering the significant costs associated with running an AI assistant like Copilot on a large scale. Estimates suggest that the computer hardware costs alone could amount to $700,000 per day. Consequently, ChatGPT launched its Plus subscription in February 2023, and now, a year later, it seems that Microsoft Copilot is following suit with its Pro version.
Unfortunately, the introduction of Copilot Pro could result in a less feature-rich free version. Currently, the free version offers access to the latest ChatGPT models and Dall-E 3 image generation. It is hoped that the Pro version will also alleviate some of the current restrictions, such as the limit of 300 conversations per day. The launch date for Copilot Pro is unknown at this time, but further details are expected to be revealed soon.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant is preparing to introduce a paid subscription service called Copilot Pro. While this move may result in a reduction in the free features previously provided, it is understandable given the high costs associated with running an AI assistant on Microsoft’s scale. Users can anticipate access to new AI models, priority server access, and high-quality image generation with the Copilot Pro subscription. Further information regarding the release date of Copilot Pro is expected to be announced in the near future.
