Thursday’s🌘Top AI Buzz: Google’s Free Tools, Microsoft’s Revamped Copilot, and More!

The AI landscape is buzzing with exciting updates! From Google introducing free AI features in Gmail and Docs to Microsoft rolling out enhanced Copilot tools for businesses, innovation is everywhere. Meanwhile, Chinese AI giant MiniMax is making waves with cutting-edge models, and AFP has struck a groundbreaking deal with France's Mistral AI to utilize news content. These developments highlight the rapid advancements in AI, reshaping the way we work, create, and connect. Dive into the details of these stories and discover how they’re shaping the future of technology. Let’s explore what’s making headlines in the AI world today!

1. Google offers free AI in Gmail/Docs but raises Workspace prices

Google is shaking up the AI game, making all its Workspace AI features—like email summaries, meeting note-takers, and the Gemini bot—available at no extra cost. Previously part of the $20/month Gemini Business plan, these tools are now included in standard Workspace subscriptions. However, Workspace plan prices are increasing by $2 per user/month. Google aims to remove cost barriers for businesses to adopt AI while boosting the value of its platform. This move mirrors Microsoft’s recent inclusion of Copilot AI features in standard subscriptions, marking a race to dominate AI-powered productivity tools. The AI office suite wars are heating up!

Google is making AI in Gmail and Docs free — but raising the price of Workspace

Google is betting big that AI is the future of work.

The Verge

2. Microsoft revamps Copilot with free AI tools for businesses

Microsoft has relaunched Copilot Chat, a free AI-powered chat tool integrated with GPT, aimed at helping businesses leverage AI. Copilot Chat now includes access to AI agents within the chat interface, which were previously available only with the $30 per user per month Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. These AI agents can automate tasks, monitor emails, and interact with work data via the Microsoft Graph. Pricing for AI agent usage follows a consumption-based model, where businesses can choose between pay-as-you-go options or consumption packs. Copilot Chat is designed to drive businesses towards adopting Microsoft’s AI tools, potentially upgrading to the full Copilot experience.

Copilot for all: Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat | Microsoft 365 Blog

We’re introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, adding pay-as-you-go agents to our free chat experience for Microsoft 365 commercial customers. Learn more.

Microsoft 365 BlogJared Spataro

3. MiniMax unveils competitive AI models

Chinese AI startup MiniMax, backed by Alibaba and Tencent, has launched three new models: MiniMax-Text-01, MiniMax-VL-01, and T2A-01-HD. The models rival AI systems from OpenAI and others, with MiniMax-Text-01 outperforming Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash on benchmarks. MiniMax-VL-01 competes with Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet in multimodal tasks, while T2A-01-HD generates high-quality speech and voice clones. These models are available on platforms like GitHub and Hugging Face, but come with restrictive licenses. MiniMax's innovations arrive amid tensions over AI export rules and U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech companies.

Chinese AI company MiniMax releases new models it claims are competitive with the industry’s best | TechCrunch

Chinese firms continue to release AI models that rival the capabilities of systems developed by OpenAI and other U.S.-based AI companies. This week,

TechCrunchKyle Wiggers

4. AFP partners with Mistral AI for news content

Global news agency AFP has partnered with French AI firm Mistral AI to integrate AFP's articles into Mistral's Le Chat chatbot. This collaboration will allow users to ask questions and receive responses based on verified news reports. The deal marks a first for both AFP and Mistral, providing AFP with a new revenue stream while ensuring that Le Chat provides users with accurate, up-to-date information. The content will be available in six languages, but it will only include AFP’s text, excluding photos, videos, or infographics. This partnership highlights the growing intersection of media and AI.

AFP strikes deal for France’s Mistral AI to use news articles

Global news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) and French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI have signed a deal for the start-up’s chatbot to use news agency reports to respond to users’ requests, executives from the two organisations said Thursday.Le Chat will answer questions about current events using AFP articles -- the text news the agency typically sends to its subscription-paying clients in the media, government and other institutions, and businesses.

Yahoo FinancePaul RICARD and Daxia ROJAS

AI is shaping the future faster than ever, with innovations redefining work, creativity, and collaboration. From Google’s free AI tools to Microsoft’s enhanced Copilot and MiniMax’s bold advancements, the possibilities are endless. As these developments pave the way for new opportunities, staying informed is key. Make sure you don’t miss out—subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, insights, and trends in the ever-evolving world of AI. The future is here, and it’s only getting brighter!

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