Microsoft kills off unsuccessful AI features while merging its separate Copilot apps

Microsoft is merging its Copilot-branded consumer and business apps, while discontinuing several unsuccessful AI features. Consumers will lose access to Group Chats, AI-generated podcasts in Copilot, Copilot Labs experimental features, and Deep Research by August 18, 2026. For professional users, Researcher will serve as a replacement for Deep Research. This move comes two years after Microsoft described AI as a "generational shift" in technology.