At a recent Experts Live Emirates conference, I had a fascinating discussion with the AI Product Leader for Windows Cloud about the future of the industry. It centered around a question that matters to anyone interested in mastering AI tools: How long will powerful AI remain accessible at such a low cost when only ~5% of users actually pay for it?
This question sparked a lively discussion on stage. Several colleagues shared their thoughts on long-term investments, enterprise integrations, and mass adoption. Experts from the audience also joined the conversation. Clearly, this topic resonates across the professional community.
Why This Discussion Matters
The situation reminds me of the dot-com era of the late 90s. The internet not only survived the bubble but eventually became the foundation of the modern economy. However, many companies from that era disappeared because they couldn’t adapt.
Today, something similar will likely happen with AI. The technology will stay, but business models will continue to evolve.
In addition, I heard an interesting insight from several developers. The cost of building AI agents can vary dramatically depending on a company’s internal economics. In some cases, the cost difference reaches dozens of times. This shows how diverse the monetization strategies across the industry truly are.
Possible Industry Scenarios
Several development paths are possible:
Evolution of pricing and subscription models
Continued investment in scaling
Market consolidation and new partnerships
Government support as a competitive advantage
Each scenario affects the future of mastering AI tools, because accessibility may not remain as cheap as it is now.
As we discussed these scenarios, experts from different countries approached me after the panel. Many admitted they actively debate these questions within their companies. This is a sign of maturity. The industry is finally asking the right questions about sustainability and long-term growth.
For a deeper look at how major tech companies are navigating these shifts, especially the very different AI strategies taken by Apple and Google, read my detailed analysis here.
Why Right Now Is the Best Moment for Mastering AI Tools
The current moment offers a unique opportunity. The accessibility of top-tier AI tools has never been higher. Because companies compete for user attention, we can use extremely advanced technology at very low cost.
As a result, the smartest professionals are taking advantage of this window of opportunity. Regardless of how things change, the skill of mastering AI tools will retain its value. That is why now is the best time to experiment, learn, and integrate AI into your workflow.
What AI Tools Have You Already Integrated?
What AI tools have you already added to your daily routine?
I’d love to hear how you’re mastering AI tools in your own workflow.