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Oh Copilot GPT Builder, we hardly knew you…
Microsoft is discontinuing its feature for creating custom versions of its Copilot AI service in less than a month. This news, initially reported by tech journalist Paul Thurrott, was confirmed by Microsoft in an email to Copilot Pro subscribers and on a support webpage.
The company states on its support page: “Microsoft will remove the ability to create GPTs starting July 10, 2024, and will delete all GPTs (created by both Microsoft and customers) along with their associated data from July 10, 2024, through July 14, 2024.”
Microsoft describes this action as a “retirement” of the service. Essentially, Microsoft is ending the ability to make custom GPTs for consumers, a feature that was launched just under three months ago in March 2024.
On its support page, Microsoft explains that it is shifting its focus to Commercial and Enterprise scenarios, halting efforts in the consumer sector. This implies that a version of the GPT Builder may still be available for enterprise users, although Microsoft has yet to announce this formally.
Commentators on Thurrott’s website speculate that the feature likely had low user adoption. AI influencer and professor Ethan Mollick expressed surprise, noting that focusing solely on enterprise users could stifle grassroots innovation, which has often driven some of the best uses of AI.
For those who have already used the Copilot GPT Builder, Microsoft offers a small consolation: users can save their custom instructions by opening their custom GPT in “Edit” mode, navigating to the “Configure” tab, and copying the instructions for future reference. However, this is not an ideal solution, as users will now have to manually input these instructions every time they need them.
The Copilot GPT Builder allowed Pro subscribers to create and share customized chatbots for specific tasks. It featured a “Create” tab for building and a “Configure” tab for additional customization, including options for integrating external data and enabling web browsing and image generation capabilities. However, after July 14, 2024, these custom-built GPTs will no longer be accessible.
Microsoft reassures that it will delete all data collected through the Copilot GPT Builder, adhering to its Privacy Statement. Users wishing to cancel their Copilot Pro subscriptions can find detailed guidance on Microsoft’s website and may do so via the Microsoft account portal or through applicable app stores.
Reflecting on the Copilot GPT Builder, its launch was hailed as empowering for users, allowing them to tailor AI tools to their specific needs without requiring technical expertise. The tool followed a trend towards customizable AI solutions in the market, inspired by OpenAI’s GPT Builder.
Microsoft’s shift to prioritize Commercial and Enterprise AI scenarios indicates a more focused approach towards business applications. However, this move is likely to disappoint users who invested time, effort, and money into creating custom Copilot GPTs. It also raises questions about Microsoft’s commitment to future AI products and services.
This situation casts some doubt on the future of OpenAI’s similar GPT Builder and custom GPT Store, which also launched with much anticipation but have not been heavily updated or discussed since. However, OpenAI made it possible for free users of ChatGPT and GPT-4 to access custom GPTs created by third parties following updates in May, suggesting that the company still sees value in customizable GPTs for a wider audience.