In a major upgrade, Zoom users will now be able to ask AI to generate a document based on what was discussed during the meeting. This functionality is part of a new feature called Zoom Docs that went live for users on Monday, August 5. With Zoom Docs, users will be able to share files more easily with all the participants in the meeting. Additionally, they can use generative AI to jot down or edit what is on these files together. The built-in collaboration features were first announced by the video-calling platform during its annual Zoomtopia event last year. On the Docs feature, users can also prompt Zoom’s AI Companion to organise meeting transcripts, make tables, draw up checklists, as well as track processes and tasks that were assigned in the meeting. “Zoom Docs is our first Zoom Workplace product with generative AI built in from the ground up; it effortlessly transforms information from Zoom Meetings into actionable documents and knowledge bases, so teams can stay focused on meaningful work,” Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom, said in a blog post. “Zoom Docs is included at no additional cost with Zoom Workplace paid licenses, creating even more value for our customers. With AI Companion available every step of the way, Zoom Docs is purpose-built to empower people to ‘work happy’ and give them more time back in their day," she added. Taking on Google, Microsoft With Zoom Docs, the company is looking to catch up with Google and Microsoft which have already introduced AI features in their respective workplace collaboration tools. Google Workspace controls a large portion of the market with over 3 billion users while Microsoft Teams boasts of 320 million monthly active users, according to a report by Wired. However, Zoom’s strategy relies on pricing its Workplace offering ($14-$19 per month) lower than Microsoft’s Copilot for 365 ($30 per month) and Gemini ($20-$30 per month). Businesses could also be more open to switching as many organisations already use Zoom for meetings while using workplace tools of another provider.
