Microsoft Expands AI Offerings with Free Copilot Chat and Pay-As-You-Go Agents

The new Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat introduces flexible pricing for AI agents, aiming to drive adoption among businesses hesitant about subscription costs.

Microsoft has launched Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, a free chat service for businesses that includes pay-as-you-go AI agents for task automation.
The service enables businesses to create AI agents using natural language to perform tasks like market research, strategy development, and meeting preparation.
Agent usage is priced on a metered basis, with costs determined by the complexity of tasks and the type of data accessed, such as Microsoft Graph-based actions.
Copilot Chat serves as an alternative to the $30-per-user-per-month Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription but lacks integration with Office apps like Word and Excel.
This move reflects Microsoft's strategy to increase AI adoption and showcase the value of its AI tools, addressing concerns over the cost and complexity of its previous offerings.