Google is reportedly contemplating the introduction of paid “premium” options powered by generative AI to its search engine, The Monetary Instances reported on April 2.
Sources near the matter informed the newspaper that Google is exploring the potential for incorporating AI-enhanced search capabilities into its current suite of premium subscription providers.
The suite already consists of entry to Google’s newest AI improvements, such because the Gemini AI assistant built-in inside Gmail and Google Docs.
Whereas the technological infrastructure for these premium options is underneath growth, Google’s government staff has but to make a closing determination on the launch and its specifics.
Shifting away from advert income
Regardless of the proposed adjustments, Google’s conventional search functionalities are anticipated to stay freely accessible, with commercials persevering with to accompany search outcomes — even for subscribers.
The potential shift to a paid mannequin will likely be a major departure for Google, which has traditionally supplied shopper providers freed from cost, relying solely on promoting revenues.
Based on the report, the corporate shouldn’t be contemplating an ad-free search expertise however is dedicated to growing new premium capabilities and providers to boost its subscription choices.
The tech big highlighted its ongoing efforts to reinvent search to fulfill evolving person wants by way of generative AI, indicating substantial question development in main markets with out confirming any particular plans for the long run.
Google’s search and associated promoting ventures generated $175 billion throughout 2023, accounting for over half of its whole income. This poses a strategic dilemma for the corporate: adopting cutting-edge AI improvements with out jeopardizing its most profitable income supply.
Experimental SGE providers
The strategic consideration comes at a time when Google’s promoting enterprise faces potential disruption from superior AI applied sciences, practically a yr and a half following the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In response, Google launched an experimental AI-powered search service in Might 2023, aiming to supply extra detailed solutions whereas sustaining the supply of hyperlinks and commercials. Nonetheless, it has been gradual to undertake options from its “Search Generative Expertise” (SGE) into the principle search engine.
Using generative AI in search outcomes requires considerably extra computing sources, making these superior options extra pricey for Google to supply. Presently, entry to SGE is restricted to a choose group of customers, together with some subscribers to the Google One service.
SGE gives numerous options, together with the flexibility to ask extra advanced questions, obtain matter snapshots, and observe up on outcomes, plus inventive instruments. The service launched AI picture era in October 2023, offering performance just like a Midjourney and different apps.
No matter how Google’s AI-powered providers develop, the corporate will inevitably compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Bing AI, each of which have established income fashions combining free and premium entry to content material.
