However, this focus on AI has been criticized, with some fearing it's coming at the expense of Google's core ventures and employees. The company's search engine functionality is also deteriorating due to the rise of generative AI, leading to an increase in SEO spam and a frustrating online experience for users. Despite these issues, Google remains committed to its AI initiatives, including a $2 billion investment in OpenAI competitor Anthropic and plans to integrate its AI chatbot Bard into Android smartphones.
Key takeaways:
- Google's number one priority for the new year is to deliver the 'world's most advanced, safe, and responsible AI', according to an internal memo leaked by The Verge.
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned of 'tough choices', including 'reorganizing' and 'eliminating roles', continuing the massive layoffs that have seen over 12,000 jobs removed.
- Google is investing heavily in AI, including a $2 billion investment into OpenAI competitor Anthropic and plans to integrate its AI chatbot Bard into Android smartphones.
- The company's focus on AI has raised concerns about the deteriorating functionality of its search engine, with the rise of generative AI leading to an increase in SEO spam and AI-faked webpages and images.