In the battle for owning the productivity tools of the future, Microsoft has now geared up to include these AI features in the Microsoft 365 package. This integration, however, adds cost to the service, although the cost is substantially lower than that of other similar AI solutions.
Microsoft 365 Takes AI Copilot to Market at a Reasonable Price
Microsoft first and foremost announced its AI assistant, namely, Copilot in January 2024 with the cost of $20 per month, and it is offered as a separate service. This service included implementing of new AI features to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote and allowed to use the latest GPT models and improved image creation tools.
Microsoft recently announced that Copilot will be available starting from Microsoft 365, with an extra $3 a month for access to the feature. Microsoft has applied this shift to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family, extending the use of AI to more users at a considerably cheaper subscription plan compared to the initial $20 per month.
The change will be a default action for current subscribers in nearly all countries after deploying the latest update to Microsoft 365. But if they don’t want to pay for AI, they can stay with the “classic” subscription plan, which does not include Copilot features. New customers will only be able to sign up for the new plans with existing Copilot availability.
Microsoft Copilot: Facilitating Automation with Secure Productivity in Microsoft 365 Apps
The integration of Copilot introduces a range of powerful features across Microsoft Office apps, such as:
- Excel: Draw and make deductions from large number systems or even organizational budgets.
- Word: Save time by using AI-provided suggestions with documents and summaries.
- PowerPoint: Build engaging presentations using artificial intelligence and annotations.
- Outlook: Organize lengthy email thread or draft responses at the same speed you take few seconds.
Moreover, Microsoft brings a Designer app to the table for Personal and Family subscription plans to provide users with the ability to create images for any occasion or a simple invitation, for instance.
These improvements reflect changes in the Google Workspace that includes gemini that gives summaries of emails, analytical insights and designs.
AI integration is now the norm for productivity tools AI Integration is now mainstream productivity tools
Microsoft’s decision to bundle AI features signals a broader trend: Artificial intelligence is no longer an add-on in productivity software, it is a core part of it. While current customers can opt to skip this upgrade, new customers who sign up to the satcaster will default to the AI-integrated plans.
But the following issues are still arising as people consider AI adoption: Whenever governments set measures to regulate the use of AI systems, there might be ways to turn off AI tools despite they are in the subscriptions. However, it remains a clear sign of industry evolution – where AI moves to the forefront of digital work – defining the ways productivity in the future decades.
Of course, innovation is always beneficial, And irrespective of what you feel about MS’ obtaining of AI, its $3 AI-powered plans makes premium tools more affordable and inclusive, as we know may transform productivity.
