Microsoft has surprisingly announced that it will remove GPT Builder, also known as Copilot GPTs, from its Copilot Pro subscription service.
The decision, effective July 10, will significantly reduce the appeal of the $20 monthly subscription that allowed users to create personalized generative AI tools using documents and custom instructions.
In addition to the now-discontinued GPT Builder, Microsoft’s Copilot Pro subscription also includes deeper integration with its Office apps, such as World, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Microsoft is removing value from the Copilot Pro subscription
The change, first reported by Windows Latest and confirmed by Microsoft via an email to Copilot Pro subscribers seen and shared in the publication, confirms:
“We are removing Copilot GPT Builder from Copilot Pro starting July 10, 2024. This allows us to focus on several AI features that enhance Copilot Pro.”
From that date, users will no longer be able to create and configure Copilot GPTs, and will also lose access to Copilot GPTs they previously created.
Microsoft added: “With your subscription, you can continue using Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps, generate and edit images faster with AI, and enjoy priority access to the top models during peak hours.”
The shift suggests that the tech giant could be unhappy with Copilot’s growth in the consumer market, possibly citing low usage of GPT features compared to business and enterprise customers. It could also be an attempt to improve the cost-efficiency of the GenAI bundle.
However, as Microsoft extracts value from its subscription in its streamlining efforts, questions arise about the company’s commitment to bringing generative AI to the masses.
Ny Breaking asked Microsoft to clarify some details about the change, but we did not receive an immediate response.