Seattle, WA – Microsoft is quietly bundling its AI-powered Office features, previously known as Copilot Pro, into its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions, effectively eliminating the $20 monthly fee for these features. This move, currently limited to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, signals a shift in Microsoft’s strategy towards integrating AI into its coreproductivity suite.
It’s been nine months since we introduced Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps for consumers with Copilot Pro, Microsoft stated in a press release found on ZDNet. During that time, we’ve added new features, improvedperformance, and listened carefully to customer feedback. Based on that feedback, we are making Copilot part of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions.
In addition to Copilot, Microsoft is also adding its Microsoft Designer application to these specific markets’ Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers will receive a monthly AI credit allowance to use Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Designer, Microsoft explains. These credits will also apply to applications like Paint, Photos, and Notepad on Windows.
However, while the inclusion of Copilot Pro might seem like abenefit for users, it comes with a caveat. For Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions, only the primary account holder will have access to Copilot, and it cannot be shared with other family members.
While some Microsoft 365 Personal and Family users may see their monthly subscription fees increase, the price hike isarguably justified by the inclusion of Copilot Pro.
To reflect the investments we’ve made in the past decade to deliver the best possible experience for our customers, we’re adjusting the price of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions in these markets, Microsoft further explained in the press release.
This moveby Microsoft signifies a growing trend in the tech industry, where AI is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday applications. By making AI-powered features readily available to its vast user base, Microsoft is aiming to further solidify its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of productivity software.
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