OpenAI is set to unveil its next-generation language model, GPT-5, in early August, aimed at streamlining its various large language models. This announcement comes shortly after references to GPT-5 were discovered in Microsoft’s Copilot web application, indicating the possibilities of an advanced smart functionality.
Insiders familiar with Microsoft’s AI initiatives report that the new smart mode is currently being tested in both consumer and commercial variants of the Microsoft 365 Copilot. In the consumer iteration, this feature is characterized by an AI that can “think deeply or quickly based on the task at hand,” eliminating the need for users to select different models.
The employee-focused version of Microsoft 365 Copilot also has a comparable smart mode, enabling it to “utilize the most suitable model for your request to produce improved results.” Presently, internal tests have not indicated any references to GPT-5, suggesting that GPT-4 remains the responding model for queries. Nevertheless, the user interface hints at potential GPT-5 capabilities for Copilot.
Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned that the company is working on enhancing ChatGPT’s model selection process. “We dislike the model picker just as much as you do, and we aim to bring back a unified intelligence experience,” Altman commented in February. In a related post on X, he also revealed that GPT-5 will incorporate its o3 model rather than being released as a separate entity.
The concept of a “magic” model selector has also been referenced within Microsoft. Reports indicate that several components of Microsoft 365 Copilot have been showcasing a magic mode over recent weeks, designed to function similarly to the smart mode. It appears that “magic mode” could simply serve as a codename for the smart feature, although it currently does not mention GPT-5. This omission is fairly typical, as Microsoft often refrains from specifying which OpenAI model is being utilized in its different Copilot modes.
The emergence of this smart mode in Copilot likely coincides with Microsoft’s anticipation of GPT-5’s launch. OpenAI had initially aimed for an earlier release date for GPT-5, and Microsoft generally follows closely behind with its deployments of OpenAI’s models in Copilot. For instance, Microsoft’s AI-driven version of Bing employed OpenAI’s GPT-4 model for several weeks before its official announcement. Additionally, Microsoft rapidly integrated OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model during a Copilot revamp last year before subsequently offering it at no cost.
Microsoft has opted not to comment on the discoveries of GPT-5 in Copilot, nor on the details of the new smart mode. If OpenAI successfully finalizes preparations for GPT-5, the smart mode in Copilot is expected to be rolled out for wider use shortly.
Other News Highlights:
- Copilot could evolve into a more personalized AI companion. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has proposed that Copilot may age and become personalized enough to inhabit its own virtual environment. Concurrently, a new Copilot Appearance feature has been introduced, allowing it to respond to inquiries with real-time expressions, suggesting a more interactive user experience.
- Windows 10 marks its decade milestone. This week, Windows 10 celebrates ten years since its launch, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The OS introduced the “Windows as a service” model, which continues to shape updates for Windows today.
- Apple addresses macOS security issue identified by Microsoft. Microsoft disclosed a security vulnerability in macOS that could have allowed unauthorized access to files in a device’s downloads folder. Apple patched this flaw back in March, with further details released this week.
- Upcoming Gamescom to feature Xbox demos. Excitement builds for Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, where attendees will have the chance to experience Hollow Knight: Silksong for the first time on new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
- Microsoft Edge introduces AI capabilities. An experimental Copilot Mode in Edge allows the AI assistant to assist users by searching open tabs and managing bookings. Although this feature is currently optional, Microsoft intends to offer it free for a limited time.
- Privacy concerns lead to the blocking of Microsoft’s Recall feature. Following Signal’s lead, AdGuard and the Brave browser are now preventing the use of Microsoft’s Recall functionality, citing privacy issues.
- Internal memos address employee layoffs. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sent a memo addressing the recent layoffs of approximately 9,000 employees, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the company’s AI direction.
- Xbox age verification begins in the UK. In compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act, Microsoft is implementing age verification checks for Xbox players, with more regulatory changes expected in the near future.
- Microsoft negotiating ongoing access to OpenAI technology. Reports suggest Microsoft is in talks to secure continued access to OpenAI’s models, ensuring service continuity in the event that OpenAI reaches its AGI ambitions.
- Xbox faces a leadership change. Trista Patterson, director of sustainability for Xbox hardware, is departing after four years with Microsoft.
- Game streaming expands on Xbox PC app. All Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream over 250 games from the cloud to the Xbox PC app, enhancing cross-device accessibility.
- OneNote updates include new paste options. OneNote users will soon enjoy a text-only paste shortcut and the ability to merge table cells, both designed to improve user experience.
- Opera files a complaint against Microsoft. Opera has formally complained to Brazilian authorities regarding Microsoft’s alleged use of design tactics to promote Edge over other browsers.
- Limited edition Surface Laptop launched. Microsoft has unveiled a “Smurface Edition” of its Surface Laptop, featuring laser-etched designs aimed at fans of the upcoming Smurfs movie, with a limited availability of just 100 units online.
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