Microsoft Scraps Major AI Feature: Copilot Pro’s GPT Builder Axed After Just Three Months!
In a surprising move, Microsoft is cutting support for GPT Builder in Copilot Pro starting July 10, 2024. This decision will affect all GPTs created by Microsoft and its customers, with the associated GPT data being deleted by July 14, 2024. This shift in focus is aimed at prioritizing core Copilot Pro experiences.
Key Points:
- Termination Date: Microsoft will disable GPT Builder in Copilot Pro on July 10, 2024. All associated GPT data will be removed by July 14, 2024.
- Reason: Microsoft aims to focus on refining core Copilot Pro features and enhancing commercial and enterprise applications.
- Impact: Users will lose access to custom GPTs created with Copilot Pro. This feature was introduced just three months ago.
Background on Copilot Pro
In January, Microsoft launched a paid subscription for Copilot Pro. This service provides users with priority access to AI models and allows integration with Microsoft Office apps like Word and PowerPoint, for $20 per month. Similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, Copilot Pro aims to enhance productivity with advanced AI features.
What is Copilot Pro?
Copilot Pro is a premium subscription service that enhances the standard Copilot experience. It offers several advanced features, including:
- Priority access to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo, even during peak times, for accelerated performance.
- Ability to access Copilot within select Microsoft 365 apps to help draft documents, summarize emails, create presentations, and more.
- Faster AI image creation with DALL-E 3, providing 100 boosts per day with Designer.
It’s designed for users seeking more power, speed, and creativity in their Copilot experience. Subscription also includes a 1-month free trial, after which it is available at a monthly fee.
Detailed Breakdown
Why is Microsoft Retiring GPT Builder?
Microsoft’s decision to retire GPT Builder in Copilot Pro is driven by a strategic shift towards refining core experiences and focusing on commercial and enterprise solutions. In a statement, Microsoft explained:
“We are continuing to evaluate our strategy for consumer Copilot extensibility and are prioritizing core product experiences, while remaining committed to developer opportunities. To this end, we are shifting our focus on GPTs to Commercial and Enterprise scenarios and are stopping GPT efforts in consumer Copilot.”
What Does This Mean for Copilot Pro Users?
For users of Copilot Pro, this means that starting from July 10, 2024, they will no longer be able to create new GPTs, and all existing GPTs will be deleted along with their data by July 14, 2024. Users are advised to save their GPT instructions or consider canceling their Copilot Pro subscriptions if the GPT Builder was a primary reason for their purchase.
Evolution and Initial Hype of GPT Builder
Introduced in March, GPT Builder in Copilot Pro allowed users to create and configure customized GPTs for specialized use cases. It was a promising feature that enabled customers to personalize their AI tools to better suit their specific needs. For instance, users could create a grocery shopping GPT that generates a shopping list based on a meal plan.
Despite the initial excitement and potential of this tool, its retirement suggests that it didn’t align with Microsoft’s long-term strategy for Copilot Pro.
How Will This Affect the Subscription Model?
Microsoft’s decision to cut GPT Builder might prompt some users to reconsider their $20/month subscription. Subscription offered several benefits including priority access to AI during peak times, more image creator boosts, and AI features integrated into Office apps. With GPT Builder’s removal, the value proposition of Copilot Pro might seem diminished to some users.
In the original Copilot Pro announcement, Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted GPT Builder as a forthcoming feature. Its abrupt removal now seems to signal a pivot in Microsoft’s AI strategy.
User Reactions and Microsoft’s Future Plans
Users’ reactions to this announcement have been mixed. Some are disappointed by the sudden removal of a feature they found useful, while others understand the need for Microsoft to refine its core offerings. Microsoft’s commitment to developer opportunities suggests that while consumer GPT efforts are being reduced, there will still be significant developments in AI for commercial and enterprise users.
What Should Users Do Next?
For those impacted by this change, here are some steps to take:
- Save Your GPT Instructions: Before July 10, 2024, save any instructions or data related to your custom GPTs.
- Consider Subscription Options: Evaluate if the remaining features of Copilot Pro justify the $20/month fee or if it’s time to cancel the subscription.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s announcements for any potential future tools or replacements for GPT Builder.
Looking Ahead: Microsoft’s AI Strategy
Move aligns with Microsoft’s broader AI strategy, which focuses on refining user experiences and enhancing enterprise solutions. While GPT Builder for consumers is being retired, Microsoft remains committed to advancing AI capabilities in other areas.
Microsoft’s decision to retire GPT Builder in Copilot Pro reflects a strategic shift towards focusing on core product experiences and commercial applications. While this change may disappoint some users, it underscores Microsoft’s commitment to refining its AI tools and enhancing overall user experience. Users affected by this change should take steps to save their data and reconsider their subscription choices in light of this new direction.
