According to the Financial Times (FT), there's speculation about potential additions of AI-powered search features to its premium subscription services, complementing its existing AI assistant, Gemini. Google's counterpart to the popular chatbot ChatGPT, Gemini has prompted discussions among executives regarding the integration of advanced search capabilities. While decisions are pending, engineers are actively developing the necessary technology for potential deployment.
Despite these considerations, Google affirms that its traditional search engine will remain free, supported by advertisements. The recent introduction of Gemini has underscored Google's ongoing adaptation to the AI revolution, albeit not without challenges. Instances of the AI generating controversial images have prompted swift responses and temporary halts in service.
Despite these setbacks, Google maintains its position as the primary choice for internet search, boasting a significant share of the desktop search engine market, as reported by Statista. With over a billion daily users, Google's advertising-driven revenue model has solidified its parent company, Alphabet, as a major player in the global internet landscape, with diversified offerings beyond search.
While affirming its commitment to enhancing subscription offerings, Google has clarified that it is not actively pursuing an ad-free search experience at this time. Instead, the company remains focused on expanding premium capabilities and services across its platforms.