I wanted to try the new Bing with ChatGPT. Then, Microsoft went all Microsoft

This is a pivotal moment for Microsoft. Finally, it has the chance to prove itself to the companies that once ridiculed it – like Google, Apple, and Nokia.

Also: Microsoft's AI-powered Bing has already attracted one million people to its waitlist

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has embraced the latest technological breakthrough – or, perhaps, the latest imperfect creation that captivates simpler minds – and has introduced it to Microsoft's lesser-known search engine, Bing.

Yes, the new and improved Bing now incorporates ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence technology.

Of course, Microsoft couldn't let everyone try it out at once. That's completely understandable. ChatGPT itself often seems overwhelmed.

I was curious to see if, as someone who pays for Microsoft's Word, PowerPoint, and other groundbreaking products, I would have any special privileges. So, I hurriedly headed to Bing. A sentence I don't think I've ever written before.

Also: The best AI chatbots: Exploring ChatGPT and other exciting alternatives

To be honest, I was skeptical about this supposedly superior AI-powered conversational experience. I thought it might just be another instance of tech industry hype, like self-driving cars and empty promises of making the world a better place. Nevertheless, I was willing to give it a chance. Enough of a chance. Enough faith in OpenAI.

When I clicked on the chat button, I wasn't certain if anything would happen, so I braced myself for disappointment. And disappoint me it did.

The message informed me that "Chat mode is only available when you have access to the new Bing." However, it did encourage me to join the waitlist for Microsoft's new "AI-powered answer engine."

Filled with both excitement and frustration, I eagerly signed up for the waitlist.

Obviously, I expected Microsoft to greet me with a message like, "Hi, Chris! Thanks for your ongoing support and monthly contributions. We'll make sure to prioritize your access."

But, true to form, Microsoft had other plans. Remember the Microsoft that you used to adore during the glory days of Bill Gates?

Well, that Microsoft wasn't done showcasing its magical tricks just yet.

Microsoft pondered, "On the waitlist? Access the new Bing even faster."

But how can I access the new Bing faster if I'm still on the waitlist?

Also: Meta's chief AI scientist criticizes ChatGPT as 'not particularly innovative' or 'revolutionary'

And then came the moment of recognition I had been waiting for. The next sentence exclaimed, "Get ahead in the line when you complete the following..."

Let me guess, I have to disclose how much money I pay Microsoft every month? Well, not quite.

Here was secret waitlist passage number one: "Set Microsoft defaults on your PC."

My immediate reaction was, "Dear Microsoft, are you really using the launch of this supposedly mesmerizing new Bing to coerce me into making Microsoft my default choice for everything?"

Soon after that, I couldn't help but think, "Dear Microsoft, go jump in a lake."

I had no evidence that making Microsoft my default for everything would grant me expedited access to the undoubtedly extraordinary new Bing.

Yet, there was Microsoft, once again, grinning like a sleazy used car salesman.

Oh, there was another option to potentially win favor with the Bing gatekeepers. I could scan a QR code and download the Bing app.

Also: Getting started with ChatGPT

In an effort to maintain some level of composure, I gave in. I installed the Bing app. Did it instantly catapult me ahead of those on the waitlist? Not as far as I could tell.

But it did acknowledge that I was on the waitlist.

Please forgive my occasional impatience, but this felt just a tad underhanded. And on such a joyous occasion.

I know you'll say that nothing comes for free. I understand that you'll sigh and claim, "Everyone does this."

However, if you truly want to distance yourself from the days when you labeled Google as "Scroogle," maybe it's worth welcoming all of humanity without attaching bothersome strings.

Also: Unraveling Google Bard: A comprehensive guide

Embrace a new Microsoft – one that is open and willing to collaborate with anyone and everyone. It just might make people appreciate you even more.

Or, at the very least, they might forget about that time you tried to force everyone to use Microsoft Edge.