Generative AI should be available to everyone, believes Zoom. The video platform therefore promises not to charge additional costs for AI-supported functionalities now or in the future.

In October, Zoom launched a new set of AI features for the popular video conferencing platform. The spearhead of the AI ​​offering is AI Companion (first known as Zoom IQ), which, among other things, summarizes meetings that you were not present at and can write chat messages, to name just a few capabilities. Access to the Smart Assistant is included in all paid Zoom formulas and does not need to be purchased as an additional add-on.

For example, while Microsoft charges a significant premium to use 365 Copilot, Zoom does not charge a premium on top of the subscription price for AI features. That will not change now or in the future, Zoom spokespersons confirmed in an interview with ZDNet. Zoom wants to keep access to generative AI as democratic as possible, and charging an additional fee could discourage companies from using the technology or only purchasing it for a limited number of employees, creating unequal relationships.

divide and conquer

The way Zoom leverages its AI capabilities allows the company to adopt this strategy. Zoom is opting for a “federated” AI architecture, linking its own LLMs with those of external parties such as Meta, Anthropic and OpenAI. This means Zoom is less dependent on an external AI provider. This approach allows Zoom to offer AI more cost-effectively, but also has a positive impact on the quality and latency of the models, according to the interview.

Zoom isn’t giving away AI Companion completely free. At least a Pro subscription (139.90 euros per year, including VAT) is required. This also gives you access to the new Zoom Docs, a virtual workspace powered by artificial intelligence.