Microsoft announced that it will integrate AI capabilities into Microsoft 365 Personal and Home subscriptions and increase prices accordingly. The move will give more users access to Copilot AI features that previously cost an additional $20 for $3 per month and are now available in most markets. In response to the price increase, Microsoft also launched "Personal Classic" and "Family Classic" plans, which allow existing users to choose to keep the old price, but cannot use Copilot features. This move aims to balance the popularity of AI functions and the different needs of users.
Microsoft said it has been testing adding AI capabilities to Microsoft 365 subscriptions for the past few months. This feature was initially only available in Australia, New Zealand and some Asian countries, and has now been expanded to most markets. Microsoft executive Gareth Oystryk said in an interview that they always hope to allow more users to experience the convenience of AI functions. While C opilot Pro’s pricing remains at $20, it will still serve users who need priority access to the latest AI models.
This price increase is the first price increase for Microsoft 365 Personal and Home Editions since 2012. US users will increase their prices by US$3 per month, and the increases in other markets will be roughly the same. Although price increases always make consumers unhappy, Microsoft said that in order to meet the different needs of users, they will also launch two new plans, "Personal Classic Edition" and "Family Classic Edition", which existing users can choose when renewing their subscriptions. These classic plans keep the old prices and do not enable C opilot functionality.
Microsoft has also launched a new AI points system. Users can earn a certain amount of points every month in Microsoft 365 Personal Edition and Home Edition, which can be used for image generation functions in applications including designer applications, Paint, Photos and Notepad. . For users who do not want to use C opilot, Microsoft also provides a simple shutdown function. Users can easily turn off C opilot in applications such as Word. Excel and PowerPoint will gradually provide this option.
Highlight:
- Microsoft integrates AI functions into Microsoft 365, and the monthly fee increases by US$3.
- Existing users can choose the "Classic Edition" plan and keep the original price.
- Added a new AI points system to provide monthly points for image generation and other functions.
All in all, Microsoft's move aims to popularize AI functions to a wider user group while providing flexible options for users with different needs. Although the price increase may cause concern to some users, the classic plan and AI points system provided by Microsoft also provide users with coping strategies and balance the trade-offs between price and functionality.