Microsoft’s recent integration of its AI assistant, Copilot, into Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans has ignited a wave of discontent among users. The tech giant’s move, which includes a price increase and limited AI usage credits, has left many subscribers feeling blindsided and seeking ways to revert to their previous plans.

The Unwelcome Surprise

Without prior consent, Copilot has been embedded into Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. While AI integration promises enhanced productivity, many users are questioning the value, especially when accompanied by a price hike. The Personal plan now costs $99.99 annually, up from $69.99, and the Family plan has increased to $129.99 from $99.99.

Limited AI Access

Subscribers are allocated 60 AI credits per month, with each Copilot action consuming one credit. Once exhausted, users must wait until the next month or upgrade to the $20/month Copilot Pro plan for unlimited access. Notably, in Family plans, only the primary account holder receives these credits, leaving other members without access. pureinfotech.comcomputerworld.com

Opting Out: A Complex Process

For those wishing to remove Copilot and avoid the price increase, Microsoft offers a limited-time option to switch to “Personal Classic” or “Family Classic” plans. However, this process isn’t straightforward. Users must initiate a cancellation of their current subscription, during which they are presented with the option to downgrade. This approach has been criticized for its lack of transparency and user-friendliness.howtogeek.com

Disabling Copilot in Applications

Users can disable Copilot within individual applications:

• Windows: Go to File > Options > Copilot, and uncheck “Enable Copilot.”
• Mac: Navigate to Preferences > Authoring and Proofing Tools > Copilot, and uncheck “Enable Copilot.”support.microsoft.com

It’s important to note that this must be done separately for each application and device.

User Backlash

The integration of Copilot and the associated costs have led to significant user dissatisfaction. Many feel that Microsoft is imposing features without adequate communication or consideration for user needs. The limited AI credits and the complexity of opting out have further fueled frustration.theverge.com+6borncity.com+6pureinfotech.com+6

Conclusion

Microsoft’s strategy to embed Copilot into its 365 suite has been met with resistance. While AI integration can offer benefits, the approach taken—marked by price increases, limited access, and complicated opt-out procedures—has left many users feeling undervalued. As the company navigates this transition, it may need to reconsider its methods to maintain user trust and satisfaction.

In a quiet but strategic move, Meta has officially entered the short-form video editing battlefield with the launch of Edits — a sleek new app that’s being positioned as a direct rival to ByteDance’s massively popular CapCut. And if you’re an Instagram creator or content enthusiast, this is one app you’ll want to pay close attention to.

Unlike CapCut, which is tied to TikTok, Edits directly integrates with Instagram, allowing creators to log in and begin editing within seconds. With no need for a paid subscription — at least for now — Edits is free to download on both iOS and Android, and it’s already turning heads among influencers and reel-makers alike.

Once inside the app, users are met with five main tabs:

• Ideas: Save video concepts and collect trending reels for inspiration.
• Inspiration: Discover popular audio tracks and viral content.
• Projects: Store works-in-progress and upload videos directly from your phone.
• Record: Film right within the app, no switching needed.
• Insights: Get a snapshot of your content’s performance with key metrics like views and reach.

Where Edits really shines is in its intuitive video-editing tools, some of which rival even the paid features of CapCut. Creators can fine-tune their timelines, auto-generate captions in multiple languages, and tap into Instagram’s music library to enhance their clips. Standout features include:

• AI-powered animations to turn images into motion.
• Cutout tool with precision tracking.
• Beat markers that sync visuals with music automatically.
• Apply all filters and transitions across clips with one tap.
• Frame rate selector for smoother playback and custom visual styles.

And yes, there are 30+ filters and transitions ready to use, offering plenty of creative flexibility.

While CapCut currently offers a broader set of AI tools and an extensive music library, some of its best features sit behind a paywall. By contrast, Edits remains fully free — for now. According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, premium features may roll out later, but Meta is clearly playing the long game: win users now, monetize later.

The only caveat? Edits is currently mobile-only, whereas CapCut is also available via desktop. But as Meta continues expanding the app’s features, a web version could be on the horizon.

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. still unclear due to political pressure, Meta’s timely launch of Edits isn’t just smart — it’s potentially game-changing. If CapCut ever faces another disruption in the U.S. market, Meta’s Edits could be the app creators turn to next.