Microsoft's decision has been met with surprise, especially as it could hamper innovation from grassroots users. The company is offering a small concession to existing users by allowing them to save their custom instructions elsewhere for reference. However, this is likely to be of little comfort to those who relied on the Custom GPTs to work within Copilot. The move raises questions about Microsoft's commitment to new AI products and services and the future of similar tools like OpenAI’s GPT Builder and custom GPT Store.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft is discontinuing its consumer-facing feature for making custom versions of its Copilot AI service, with the ability to create GPTs being removed starting July 10, 2024.
- The company is shifting its focus on GPTs to Commercial and Enterprise scenarios, suggesting a form of the Copilot GPT Builder will exist for enterprise Copilot subscribers/users.
- Microsoft is offering a small concession to Copilot GPT Builder users, allowing them to save their custom instructions for reference, but this is likely to be of little comfort to those who depended on the Custom GPTs.
- The discontinuation of the service raises questions about Microsoft’s overall commitment to any new AI products and services it releases going forward.