- Microsoft Copilot and Designer are now integrated into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans, reaching millions of global subscribers
- Microsoft refined these tools through pilot testing, ensuring they are accessible, efficient, and scalable for users
- The integration reflects Microsoft’s commitment to making advanced productivity and creativity tools affordable and widely available
Microsoft has announced the integration of its AI-powered tools, Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer, into its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription plans.
The move significantly broadens access to the company's advanced AI technologies.
The announcement, made via a blog post on Thursday, January 16, aligns with Microsoft’s goal of delivering cutting-edge productivity solutions to a wider audience.
Initially launched as a premium feature for early adopters in January 2024, Microsoft Copilot will now be accessible to most Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers worldwide.
“Most of our 84 million consumer subscribers will now have access to Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and the newly renamed Microsoft 365 Copilot app,” the company shared.
Microsoft 365 subscribers will receive a monthly allocation of AI credits, enabling them to utilise Copilot for a variety of tasks, including:
- Drafting documents
- Analysing data
- Designing presentations
- Managing emails
- Organising notes
While the monthly AI credit is designed to meet the needs of most users, those requiring more significant usage can opt for the Copilot Pro plan, which removes usage limits.
“For Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, Copilot will only be available to the subscription owner and cannot be shared with others,” the company noted.
Microsoft also highlighted the introduction of app-specific settings in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing users to turn Copilot on or off as needed. This ensures users maintain control over how they interact with AI.
In addition to Copilot, Microsoft Designer is now part of the subscription package. Previously a standalone app, Designer is also integrated within Word and PowerPoint, enabling users to create visually appealing images by simply describing their needs or choosing from a selection of design ideas.
Designer offers advanced photo editing tools, such as the ability to remove unwanted objects with precision.
Unlike free users, subscribers will benefit from a premium experience, including increased monthly allowances for image creation and editing.
Integrating Copilot and Designer into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans is part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to make AI tools more accessible and affordable.
These tools are designed to enhance creativity, improve efficiency, and provide scalable solutions, allowing users to accomplish more with less effort.
Following pilot testing in select markets, Microsoft has refined these tools based on user feedback, ensuring they meet the needs of a global audience.
The rollout marks a pivotal step in making AI-driven productivity tools a core part of everyday life for millions of Microsoft 365 subscribers.
OpenAI releases text-to-video model, Sora, for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed AI powerhouse, had unveiled its highly anticipated text-to-video generation tool, Sora, marking a significant milestone in generative AI technology.
Sora, now Sora Turbo, is a rebranded, faster, and more accessible tool designed for creators. It allows users to generate high-quality 1080p videos of up to 20 seconds in various aspect ratios, including widescreen, vertical, and square.