Google & Microsoft Boost Ecosystems with Free AI: Gemini Now Free for Workspace, Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Launched
Google and Microsoft have simultaneously enhanced their commercial offerings by integrating free versions of their flagship AI solutions. Google is now providing AI capabilities at no extra cost to all Workspace subscribers, while Microsoft has introduced 365 Copilot Chat for all Microsoft 365 customers. This move aims to bolster the value proposition of their respective ecosystems.
Previously, Google charged an additional $20 per user per month for access to its Gemini Business plan. However, in a significant shift, Google is now making AI free for all Workspace subscribers. While the price of Google Workspace is increasing from $12 to $14 per user per month, the extra $2 is a fraction of the previous $20 AI access fee.
Google's AI, centered around the Gemini bot, offers features like email summaries, auto-generated designs, and an AI-powered note-taker. This expansion follows Google's announcement of Google AI Plus in 36 additional countries, which offered a 50% discount for the first six months to new subscribers.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has made a free version of Copilot available to all Microsoft 365 customers, called 365 Copilot Chat. This includes pay-as-you-go agents, further sweetening the deal for users.
By providing AI capabilities at no extra cost, both Google and Microsoft are expected to attract and retain more users to their respective ecosystems. However, this move may also strain resources, potentially leading to slower rollouts or reduced performance due to increased demand.
