Microsoft 365 Premium, Copilot, OpenAI SaaS Push

Microsoft is enhancing its AI offerings by launching Microsoft 365 Premium, a new subscription service priced at $19.99 per month. This plan integrates the Copilot AI assistant directly into Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook, offering higher usage limits and exclusive tools such as Researcher and Analyst. This move aims to directly compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus, which shares the same price point but lacks the bundled productivity suite and cloud storage. Microsoft is also restructuring its commercial business, appointing Judson Althoff as CEO to consolidate sales, marketing, and operations, underscoring a strategic focus on AI. Meanwhile, OpenAI is expanding its reach by entering the Software as a Service (SaaS) market with new AI-powered tools for sales, customer support, and contract management, directly challenging established players like Salesforce and HubSpot. This expansion signifies a shift towards AI-native solutions. In other AI developments, DeepL has appointed a new Chief Product Officer to advance its language AI and agentic AI solutions, while KoinBX has launched an AI assistant for crypto trading in India. Separately, Haier is using AI to foster growth through autonomous microenterprises, and a music producer is creating new artists with AI. On the cautionary side, Okta warns of the risks associated with AI agents and urges businesses to implement governance strategies, while an AI-generated biography of writer Kaleb Horton has sparked outrage due to its disrespectful and predatory nature.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft 365 Premium launches at $19.99/month, bundling Office apps with AI features and higher Copilot usage limits to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus.
• Microsoft is restructuring its commercial business under Judson Althoff to strengthen its AI strategy and market position.
• OpenAI is entering the SaaS market with AI tools for sales, support, and contract analysis, directly challenging Salesforce and HubSpot.
• OpenAI's CFO notes businesses are increasingly opting for custom AI tools over traditional SaaS products.
• DeepL appoints Gonçalo Gaiolas as Chief Product Officer to advance its language AI and agentic AI solutions.
• KoinBX introduces an AI assistant for crypto trading in India to enhance user experience and security.
• Haier utilizes AI within its RenDanHeYi management model to drive growth through thousands of autonomous microenterprises.
• Box CEO Aaron Levie predicts AI will boost jobs in sales, law, and healthcare due to increased efficiency and demand for human expertise.
• Okta warns of significant risks from AI agents and advises businesses to implement governance strategies and secure Non-Human Identities.
• An AI-generated biography of writer Kaleb Horton has caused outrage, highlighting issues with AI content on online marketplaces.

Microsoft 365 Premium combines Office and AI for $19.99

Microsoft has launched Microsoft 365 Premium, a new subscription that bundles Office apps with AI features for $19.99 per month. This price matches OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus. The new plan offers higher usage limits for AI features like GPT-4o image generation and voice, plus exclusive tools like Copilot Podcasts and Deep Research. It also includes all benefits of Microsoft 365 Family, such as Office desktop apps for six people and 1TB of storage per person. This subscription is designed for professionals and individuals needing powerful AI tools for demanding productivity tasks.

Microsoft 365 Premium bundles AI and productivity tools

Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 Premium, a new subscription service costing $19.99 per month. This bundle includes artificial intelligence capabilities, core productivity applications like Word and Excel, and cloud storage. It combines features previously offered separately in Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Family. This move aims to capitalize on the growing interest in generative AI for tasks like document creation and video production. Microsoft 365 Premium offers higher usage limits than the free Copilot version and integrates AI directly into Office apps.

Microsoft integrates AI into Office to compete with ChatGPT

Microsoft is combining its consumer AI service with its Office suite to better compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT. The new Microsoft 365 Premium tier, priced at $19.99 per month, includes an integrated chatbot and AI features like image generation alongside Office apps. This offering is slightly cheaper than ChatGPT Plus and the soon-to-be-discontinued Copilot Pro. Premium users can also use these AI features at work, even if their company doesn't pay for Copilot. Microsoft aims to leverage the widespread use of Office to boost its AI offerings.

Microsoft 365 Premium launches with AI for $19.99 monthly

Microsoft launched Microsoft 365 Premium on Wednesday, a new plan for individuals priced at $19.99 per month. This subscription integrates the Copilot AI assistant across applications like Outlook, Excel, and Word. The plan features the highest Copilot usage limits, exclusive tools such as Researcher and Analyst, one terabyte of cloud storage, and Microsoft Defender security. Microsoft will stop selling Copilot Pro, and current Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Personal or Family customers can switch to the Premium plan. This move simplifies Microsoft's AI offerings and competes directly with services like OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus.

Microsoft 365 Premium offers more AI value than ChatGPT Plus

Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 Premium, a new subscription plan costing $20 per month. This plan combines the standard Office productivity suite with access to advanced AI models and increased AI usage limits. Microsoft positions this as a more valuable offering than OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus, which costs the same but lacks Office apps and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Copilot Pro is no longer available for purchase, though existing subscribers can continue using it. Microsoft 365 Premium provides access to models like GPT-5 and 4o, along with AI agents for tasks like research and analysis.

OpenAI's new tools challenge Salesforce in sales and support

OpenAI is launching new AI-powered tools designed to automate sales, customer support, and contract management, directly challenging companies like Salesforce and HubSpot. These tools include AI agents that can draft contracts, analyze sales data, and provide real-time customer support. This move signifies a shift towards AI-native solutions that could impact the market share of established software providers. OpenAI's CFO has noted that businesses are increasingly choosing to build custom AI tools over relying on traditional SaaS products. Competitors like HubSpot and DocuSign face potential disruption from these new offerings.

OpenAI enters SaaS market challenging HubSpot and Salesforce

OpenAI has entered the Software as a Service (SaaS) market by launching its own AI-powered workplace applications for sales, support, and contract analysis. These tools, including an Inbound Sales Assistant and DocuGPT, directly compete with established vendors like Salesforce, HubSpot, and DocuSign. This strategic shift means OpenAI is no longer just powering other software but actively competing with them. Companies like HubSpot saw their stock prices drop following the announcement. Businesses now face the choice of partnering with OpenAI or competing against its new AI tools.

Microsoft restructures commercial business, integrates AI into Office

Microsoft has appointed Judson Althoff as CEO of its commercial business, consolidating sales, marketing, and operations to enhance its AI strategy. CEO Satya Nadella announced the changes, emphasizing the need to combine human capital with AI capabilities for customers. Althoff, previously the global sales chief, will now lead a unified commercial unit. Additionally, Microsoft is integrating its AI subscription service into Office, aiming to compete more effectively with OpenAI's ChatGPT. This move includes a higher-priced Microsoft 365 tier with an AI chatbot and image generation features.

Microsoft reorganizes commercial business for AI competition

Microsoft has promoted Judson Althoff to CEO of its commercial business, consolidating sales, marketing, and operations to strengthen its position in the AI market. CEO Satya Nadella stated this reorganization is crucial for customers to leverage AI capabilities. Althoff's new role involves leading a combined commercial leadership team focused on product strategy and execution. Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer Takeshi Numoto and his team will join Althoff's organization. This restructuring aims to accelerate growth and innovation as Microsoft competes in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Local producer creates new music artists using AI

Portsmouth music producer Anthony Brown has utilized artificial intelligence to create two new singers, Amy Innocent and Andrew Ingram. He has also used AI to develop their music. This innovative approach showcases how AI technology can be applied in the music industry to generate new artists and sounds.

Haier uses AI for growth through autonomous microenterprises

Chinese company Haier is leveraging artificial intelligence not just for efficiency but to drive new growth engines through its unique management model, RenDanHeYi. This system, developed over two decades, transforms the company into thousands of autonomous microenterprises. These units have decision-making power and direct customer contact, enabling rapid innovation and response to market changes. Haier uses AI platforms like HomeGPT and COSMOPlat to connect internal teams, external partners, and customers, fostering co-creation and value sharing based on user outcomes. This approach allows Haier to maintain agility and compete effectively in a rapidly changing global market.

DeepL appoints Gonçalo Gaiolas as Chief Product Officer

DeepL, an AI product and research company, has appointed Gonçalo Gaiolas as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO). Gaiolas will focus on advancing DeepL's Language AI solutions for businesses and guiding the company's expansion into agentic AI. He brings extensive experience in product development and leadership from previous roles at SoSafe and OutSystems. Gaiolas expressed excitement about DeepL's mission to solve business challenges with AI, starting with translation and expanding into autonomous AI agents. His appointment follows the launch of DeepL's innovation hub and its upcoming product, DeepL Agent.

KoinBX launches AI assistant for crypto trading in India

KoinBX, a cryptocurrency exchange in India, has launched its first AI-powered assistant to enhance the trading experience for its users. This assistant provides quick answers regarding the KoinBX trading platform and crypto asset prices. KoinBX also uses AI for trade matching, ensuring quick and efficient execution, and for real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activity. The company aims to simplify the crypto market for both new and experienced traders, making digital asset trading more accessible and confident in India.

Box CEO: AI will boost jobs in sales, law, and healthcare

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, believes artificial intelligence will lead to job growth rather than widespread job losses. He predicts increased demand in sectors like sales, law, and healthcare. Levie explained that while AI can automate tasks, it also increases efficiency, potentially leading companies to grow faster and hire more people. Roles requiring personal relationships and deep expertise, such as sales professionals, lawyers, and healthcare providers, are expected to see higher demand as AI handles more routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on complex decision-making and client interaction.

Okta warns of AI agent risks, urges governance strategy

Okta is urging businesses to implement AI agent governance strategies due to the significant risks associated with these tools. AI agents require broad permissions to act on behalf of users, potentially exposing sensitive data or performing unauthorized tasks. While 96% of European businesses plan to use AI agents by 2026, many are doing so without proper security measures. Okta emphasizes the need to secure these Non-Human Identities (NHIs) by managing permissions and detecting anomalous behavior. The company offers solutions to integrate AI agents into existing security frameworks, highlighting the importance of proactive security measures.

AI-generated biography of writer Kaleb Horton sparks outrage

An AI-generated biography of the recently deceased writer and photographer Kaleb Horton has been listed for sale on Amazon, causing significant distress to his friends and colleagues. Writers have condemned the book as predatory and disrespectful, especially given its release so soon after Horton's death. The book, titled 'KALEB HORTON: A BIOGRAPHY OF WORDS AND IMAGES,' exhibits common signs of AI generation, including a rapidly produced text and an inaccurate cover image. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of AI-generated content flooding online marketplaces and capitalizing on public interest.

Sources

• Microsoft 365 Premium bundles Office and AI for the same price as ChatGPT Plus
• Microsoft launches AI and productivity software bundle for consumers
• Microsoft Folds AI Service Into Office in Bid to Take on ChatGPT
• Microsoft launches AI-powered 365 Premium bundle for $19.99 per month
• Microsoft 365 Premium aims to deliver more AI value than ChatGPT Plus
• OpenAI’s AI Tools Challenge Salesforce in Sales and Support Automation
• OpenAI's SaaS attack has begun. Here are the companies in the firing line.
• MediaDailyNews: Microsoft Moves Althoff To CEO, Commercial Business, Folds AI Into Office
• Microsoft promoted a new CEO of its commercial business and is combining teams to compete in AI
• Local producer uses artificial intelligence to create new music artists
• What Executives Can Learn From Haier’s AI Management Model
• DeepL announces Gonçalo Gaiolas as new Chief Product Officer
• KoinBX Launches First AI-Powered Assistant To Revolutionize Crypto Trading in India
• Box's CEO predicts jobs will grow in these 3 sectors due to AI
• “Everybody's under pressure to do more with less” - Why Okta says you need an AI agent governance strategy, and sooner rather than later
• AI-Generated Biography on Amazon Tries to Capitalize on the Death of a Beloved Writer Kaleb Horton