Microsoft Expands Copilot Chat Integration in Response to Google’s Gemini
Microsoft is enhancing its Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat features in reaction to Google's Gemini integration into Google Workspace. Last year, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription service, priced at $30 per user per month. This service was available as an add-on for Microsoft 365 users.
In early 2023, Microsoft launched Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, a more limited version of Copilot, which was made available for free to all Microsoft 365 subscribers.
However, Google made a notable move by releasing Gemini to all Google Workspace users without requiring additional purchases. While Google raised its Workspace subscription fees slightly, it bundled Gemini features into the service at no extra cost to users.
In response, Microsoft is expanding the availability of Copilot Chat in its applications. During the Ignite event, the company announced that Copilot Chat will be integrated into Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Importantly, users will be able to access this feature even if they do not have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.
This integration will be available in preview by March 2026. Copilot Chat in Outlook will offer users the ability to respond to prompts using the full context of their inbox, calendar, and meetings.
"At Ignite, Microsoft today announced that Copilot Chat will be available inside Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users even without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license."
This new feature promises to make Copilot Chat even more accessible, aligning with the trend of making advanced AI tools available to a wider range of users.
Author’s Summary: Microsoft is expanding its Copilot Chat capabilities in Microsoft 365 apps, offering them for free to users even without a full Copilot license, in response to Google’s Gemini release.