Office AI: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Gemini for Workspace — 2026-09-15
Google has launched a native Gemini desktop application for Windows, marking its first significant move into the OS-level assistant space previously dominated by Microsoft Copilot. While early reviews highlight a lack of deep OS integration compared to Copilot, the launch intensifies competition for enterprise mindshare. Meanwhile, new pricing analyses clarify the true cost of Copilot seats, revealing that bundled licenses can significantly exceed sticker prices.
Office AI: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Gemini for Workspace — 2026-09-15
Top developments
Google Ships Native Gemini App for Windows
On September 10, 2026, Google released a native Gemini desktop app for Windows 10 and 11, bringing its AI assistant directly onto the Windows desktop. The app currently offers an Alt+Space shortcut for quick access but lacks deeper OS hooks like taskbar integration or Intune management support found in Microsoft Copilot. This launch is strategically significant as it places Gemini in direct competition with Copilot and ChatGPT desktop apps, targeting the massive installed base of Windows users who may be dissatisfied with current AI options.
Pricing Clarity: True Cost of Copilot Seats
New analyses published this week highlight the complexity of Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing, noting that while the add-on is listed at $30 per user per month for Enterprise and $21 for Business, the "true" cost often ranges from $69 to $90 per seat when accounting for required Microsoft 365 E3/E5 licenses and other prerequisites. For small businesses, the $21 Business tier remains a key entry point, but the lack of a free trial and mandatory base license requirements continue to drive scrutiny from CFOs.
Enterprise Governance and Adoption Trends
CIOs in Germany and other regions are increasingly focusing on governance frameworks to manage Copilot deployments, with recent guides emphasizing the need to mitigate "Shadow AI" risks before full-scale rollout. Data suggests that median active usage among licensed Copilot users hovers around 35%, indicating that many organizations are struggling to drive consistent engagement beyond initial pilot phases.
Local view
In Japan, IT consultants are actively publishing comparison guides to help SMEs choose between Copilot and Gemini for Workspace, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and existing infrastructure compatibility. Meanwhile, German media outlets like CIO DE are highlighting how executive leadership can better leverage Copilot's capabilities, moving beyond basic chat functions to more complex workflow automation.
Context & numbers
- Seat Count: Microsoft reports over 20 million paid Copilot seats in use, with total active users across all surfaces (including free tiers) estimated at ~33 million.
- Pricing: As of September 2026, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business is $21/user/month ($18 promo for first year), and Enterprise is $30/user/month, both requiring a base Microsoft 365 plan.
- Adoption: More than 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft Copilot, though active weekly usage within M365 apps remains lower than total seat counts suggest.
On the radar
- GitHub Copilot Billing Changes: GitHub announced upcoming changes to Copilot policies and billing effective late August 2026, which may impact developers using Copilot alongside office assistants.
- Excel Copilot Function Retirement: Reports indicate Microsoft is phasing out specific "Copilot function" features in Excel in favor of the side-pane agent model, signaling a shift in how data analysis is integrated.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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