Zoom has launched Zoom Docs, an AI-powered word processor, positioning itself to compete with Microsoft and Google.
Introduced in March, Zoom Docs is integrated with Zoom AI Companion, which uses generative AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Zoom’s own models. This tool enables users to generate meeting summaries, reports, and action lists, streamlining collaboration within Zoom’s video conference ecosystem.
Real-Time Collaboration Capabilities
Zoom Docs allows participants to create, share, and co-edit documents in real time during meetings, including mobile attendees who can collaborate without signing in.
Users can generate customizable, editable, and shareable documents, simplifying the dissemination of meeting information. Permission sharing is streamlined with bulk settings for temporary access during sessions.
Zoom’s AI Companion enhances the document tool by organizing meeting transcripts into templates, tables, checklists, and trackers. According to Smita Hashim, Zoom’s chief product officer, the AI aims to reduce time spent on mundane tasks.
Zoom Docs, available with all paid Zoom Workplace plans, is part of Zoom’s broader strategy to become an “everything workplace” app, competing with established players like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Zoom’s Workplace plans, which include AI features at no additional cost, are priced between $14 and $19 per user per month, while competitors charge more for their AI add-ons. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 dominate the market with extensive user bases, making competition challenging but not impossible, as illustrated by Google Docs’ success against Microsoft Word.
Zoom’s Recent Developments
Zoom’s recent updates include integrating more calendar features, adding cartoon avatars, and expanding its workflow automation tool.
Despite significant layoffs and a drop in its share price, Zoom aims to evolve by incorporating AI to maintain relevance post-pandemic. The company’s CEO, Eric S. Yuan, envisions a future where AI-driven digital twins handle tasks, allowing for reduced workloads. However, this vision requires significant investment and training to realize its full potential.
Zoom’s platform shows promise, especially among frontline workers not traditionally targeted by Google or Microsoft. Normalizing AI use across diverse workforces remains a gradual process. To stay competitive, Zoom must continue expanding its AI capabilities and demonstrate their value to a wide range of users.
