Your Slack app is getting a big upgrade – here’s how to try the new AI features

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Slack users will see new features appear on the app and service, no matter which plan you use. Some of the more exciting features will be added to paid plans only, but it doesn’t matter which paid plan you choose, because there are some exciting new additions coming.

Also: 6 Slack tips I swear by to turn a chaotic workspace into a well-oiled machine

Let’s start with what’s coming to the free plan first.

What’s new to the free plan?

The big addition to the free plan is the addition of Salesforce channels. With this new feature, you’ll be able to connect with your Salesforce teams in real time for better collaboration, including customer data in Salesforce channels. This will include a full customer view.

Also: AI agents win over professionals – but only to do their grunt work, Stanford study finds

Slack is also enhancing security across all plans, including session duration controls and native device management with SAML-based SSO for Salesforce customers.

Also, every Salesforce customer will get a Slack free plan with access to Salesforce integrations.

Screenshot via ZDNET

What’s new to the paid plans?

As you might have expected, it’s all about AI. All paid plans will receive the new AI integrations, but AI integrations vary by plan. Here’s the breakdown:

• Slack Pro Plan – adding summarizations and huddle notes.
• Business+ – adding workflow generation, recaps, translations, and search.
• Enterprise+ – adding AI-powered enterprise search, evolved task management, and AI agents from Agentforce.

Where’s the catch?

First off, the free plan will remain free, and users will not lose any features or functionality. The Pro plan pricing will remain the same while gaining access to the core AI features, Salesforce channels, and enhanced security.

Users of certain paid accounts, however, will see changes to the pricing plans.

Also: ChatGPT can now sum up your meetings – here’s how to use it (and who can)

The Business+ plan will increase from $12.50 per user per month to $15 per user per month, thanks to the new advanced AI capabilities and premium Salesforce integrations.

And then there’s the introduction of the new Enterprise+ plan, which includes enterprise-grade AI, premium Salesforce integrations, enhanced security, admin controls, governance, and compliance. To find out about Enterprise+ plan pricing, contact your Slack sales rep.

Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.