Effective July 10, 2024, Microsoft retires the GPT Builder feature only within Copilot Pro. This only affects personal users of Copilot Pro, not Commercial or Enterprise offerings. Hence, Microsoft 365 Copilot remains unaffected.
What is GPT Builder?
GPT Builder has been a cornerstone feature of the Copilot Pro subscription service, enabling users to create, edit, and share custom AI chatbots, called “Copilot GPTs.” These chatbots have been instrumental in automating micro-tasks, providing specialized knowledge, and streamlining processes without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
Here are three examples on how one could use GPT Builder:
- Customer Service Chatbot: A company could create a Copilot GPT to handle common customer service inquiries on their website. This chatbot could answer frequently asked questions, guide users through troubleshooting steps, or direct them to the appropriate department for further assistance.
- Personal Assistant for Scheduling: An individual could design a Copilot GPT to manage their personal calendar. The chatbot could help schedule appointments, send reminders for upcoming events, and even reschedule meetings based on the user’s preferences and availability.
- Language Learning Tutor: A language learning platform might use the GPT Builder to create a chatbot that assists users in practicing a new language. The chatbot could provide conversational practice, correct grammar and pronunciation, and offer personalized language exercises.
Why is GPT Builder Being Retired?
Microsoft has decided to discontinue the GPT Builder because they are changing their focus. They want to improve the main features of their products and create more opportunities for developers, especially for business and professional customers. This is why GPT Builder remains in the Microsoft 365 Copilot offerings for Commercial and Enterprise customers, with Microsoft bringing new features and program integrations to Microsoft 365 Copilot as their main AI offering. Microsoft commented: “To this end, we are shifting our focus on GPTs to Commercial and Enterprise scenarios and are stopping GPT efforts in consumer Copilot.”
Impact on Copilot Pro Users
The retirement of GPT Builder will see the removal of the ability to create new GPTs from July 10, 2024, and the deletion of all existing GPTs, including those crafted by Microsoft and customers, along with their associated data, by July 14, 2024.
Next Steps for Copilot Pro Users
Copilot Pro users who have utilized the GPT Builder are advised to save their custom instructions by copying them from the configure tab in edit mode. Microsoft assures that all subscriber data collected by the GPT Builder will be deleted in compliance with the company’s Privacy Statement.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft remains committed to the AI revolution, albeit with a focus on incremental enhancements that integrate seamlessly into existing technology platforms. The retirement of GPT Builder is a step towards a more streamlined, enterprise-focused AI strategy.
More information
For the announcement, please visit: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/gpt-builder-is-being-retired-d1de6c3a-4c7a-4bcd-98ff-2f65f3d23cd1.
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