Why Google should embrace AI competition, not panic
Google has been the unrivaled ruler of search engines for years. While Microsoft's Bing was seen as a poor rival, the emergence of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, has changed the game. Bing integrated ChatGPT's capabilities, allowing users to search, ask questions, and make requests naturally. Google implemented its own AI chatbot, Bard, soon after, but it hasn't captured the public's imagination in the same way as ChatGPT. Now, according to a report in The New York Times, Google is in a "panic" due to AI competitors.
The report shows that Google is concerned about Bing's growing mindshare thanks to its AI features, particularly at a time when Samsung is considering replacing Google with Bing as the default search engine on its smartphones. Losing this custom integration could be a big blow to Google, as it makes around an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue. Google is doubling down on its own AI tools to counter these new threats, with reports suggesting that the company is developing an 'all-new' search engine internally called "Magi."
While Google's work on improving its search engine won't come as much surprise, and its investment in AI is well-established, the picture painted by The New York Times report is one of panic. Google has clearly not been in this position for a long time, and while project Magi may revolutionize the way we search the internet, rushing its AI features could have negative consequences.
However, increased competition can lead to greater innovation, and Bing's success could force Google out of its comfort zone to start coming up with better reasons for us to use its search engine, rather than just because it's the default. If that happens, then Bing's growth could be the best thing that's happened to Google in a long time.
Google's caution and thoughtfulness are laudable, and the company is taking a cautious approach to AI development to ensure that AI systems are aligned with human values and morality. However, Google is also a business, and market competition is the norm. Bing's AI capabilities could sway Samsung, especially if it allowed the company to market its smartphones as featuring AI, which could become a key selling point in the future.
In conclusion, Google is right to be spooked by Bing and ChatGPT, but it shouldn't panic. Increased competition can lead to greater innovation, and Bing's success could force Google to come up with better reasons for us to use its search engine. This could be the best thing that's happened to Google in a long time.
