Microsoft 365 Subscribers to Get AI-Powered Features, But at a Cost
Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers are in for a treat, as the company is introducing AI-powered features in its Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. The new features will be available as part of the latest Microsoft 365 update and come with a significant price increase.
New Features and AI-Powered Microsoft Designer
The new features include a Copilot button that opens a prompt pane where users can get help writing documents, analyzing spreadsheets, summarizing email messages, and building presentations. Additionally, subscribers will get access to the AI-powered Microsoft Designer app, which can build images from prompts and edit unwanted objects from existing photos.
Price Increase and AI Credits
The new features will come with a significant price increase. Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will see a 30% price increase, from $10 to $13 per month, while the cost of an annual subscription will go up to $130 from the current $100. Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers will see an increase of nearly 43%, from $7 to $10 per month, with the annual rate going from $70 to $100. Subscribers will receive a monthly allotment of 60 AI credits that can be used with Copilot and Microsoft Designer across various apps. The credits reset on the first of each month, regardless of when the subscription renews.
Disabling Copilot
For those who are not comfortable with AI assistance, Microsoft has added settings in apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that allow users to disable or enable Copilot as needed. Users can also hide the Copilot button from the ribbon on those apps, but it does not appear there will be a simple checkbox to enable or disable Copilot.
Classic Plans and Downgrades
Customers with current Microsoft 365 subscriptions can opt out of the AI-enhanced versions and keep the current pricing by switching to a Personal Classic or Family Classic plan. However, new subscribers will not be able to choose a Classic plan, and Microsoft cautions that those downgraded products are "limited offers and may not always be offered as a plan option." Even after switching to a Classic plan, users may still have access to the AI-enhanced version; the plan change will take effect at renewal.
Conclusion
The introduction of AI-powered features in Microsoft 365 is a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to integrate AI into its products. While the price increase may be a deterrent for some, the new features will likely benefit many users who rely on Microsoft’s Office apps for their daily work. As the company continues to roll out the new features, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the changes and whether the price increase is justified.
FAQs
Q: What are the new features in Microsoft 365?
A: The new features include a Copilot button that opens a prompt pane for help with writing documents, analyzing spreadsheets, summarizing email messages, and building presentations, as well as the AI-powered Microsoft Designer app, which can build images from prompts and edit unwanted objects from existing photos.
Q: What is the price increase for Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscribers?
A: Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will see a 30% price increase, from $10 to $13 per month, while the cost of an annual subscription will go up to $130 from the current $100. Microsoft 365 Personal subscribers will see an increase of nearly 43%, from $7 to $10 per month, with the annual rate going from $70 to $100.
Q: Can I disable Copilot?
A: Yes, users can disable or enable Copilot as needed in apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users can also hide the Copilot button from the ribbon on those apps, but there will not be a simple checkbox to enable or disable Copilot.
Q: What is the deal with Classic plans?
A: Customers with current Microsoft 365 subscriptions can opt out of the AI-enhanced versions and keep the current pricing by switching to a Personal Classic or Family Classic plan. However, new subscribers will not be able to choose a Classic plan, and Microsoft cautions that those downgraded products are "limited offers and may not always be offered as a plan option."
