Microsoft has announced significant price increases for its M365 Family and Personal subscriptions in six Asia-Pacific nations, including Australia and New Zealand, to enhance access to AI features. Prices are set to rise by up to 46%, prompting negative customer reactions amid accusations of price gouging. Users can opt for a cheaper version excluding Copilot, but this option is hard to locate. Microsoft justifies the increases as part of a strategy to invest in AI and gauge customer response, with the changes serving as a test in economically diverse markets. The move comes as Microsoft plans significant investments in AI data centers.