Google Workspace subscribers will no longer need to purchase additional add-ons to unlock all Gemini AI features. The monthly subscription price does go up.
Google announced in a blog that the full Gemini package is now included by default in the Workspace subscription. This applies to all Business and Enterprise formulas. Paying Google users will henceforth no longer need to purchase an additional twenty euro per month add-on to add Gemini to their subscription.
The subscription now includes all Gemini AI features for Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, Vids, and other applications. Workspace subscribers also get access to the smartest AI model in the Google class, Gemini Advanced. As icing on the cake, Google is making the paid Plus version of NotebookLM available through the Workspace subscription.
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A little more expensive
Nothing is free in life, AI certainly is not. The addition of Gemini implies a slight price increase for the Workspace subscription. In the United States, the price goes up by two dollars a month: the Workspace Business Standard Plan will cost fourteen dollars a month from now on. Google notes that you would be much cheaper off if you paid twenty dollars a month for the Gemini add-on with that same subscription. The new rates go into effect on March 17.
That reasoning certainly holds true for companies that were actively using Gemini features. Companies that weren’t already doing so are basically now paying more for features they didn’t ask for, although they now have the opportunity to experiment with Gemini without paying extra. In this way, Google says it wants to offer AI at “the right price” to companies.
Google’s blog does not specify how Workspace subscription prices will change in euros. We have requested more information from Google and will add to this when we receive a response.
AI for all
In one fell swoop, Google is increasing Gemini’s potential user base. Google has invested many billions of dollars in raising Gemini, and those investments must pay off over time. That only works if people effectively use the AI features. The additional cost of twenty euros per month proved too great a barrier.
Microsoft is employing a similar strategy with Copilot in its 365 subscription. To the surprise of subscribers in a few select markets, Copilot had suddenly been added to their subscription, at a higher monthly or annual price admittedly.
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