Google is exploring the addition of AI-powered search features to its premium subscription services, with potential plans to charge for such premium content, as per reports.
There are considerations within Google about introducing premium content driven by artificial intelligence (AI), potentially leading to a shift in its business model that could involve placing some core products behind a paywall. This prospective move would represent a significant shift as Google has historically offered its content for free.
The report from Financial Times highlighted Google’s contemplation of integrating AI-powered search functionalities into its premium subscription services. These services currently provide access to Google’s latest AI assistant, Gemini, which is the company’s take on the popular chatbot ChatGPT.
While executives have not yet reached a definitive decision on the matter, the report mentioned ongoing efforts by engineers to develop the necessary technology for implementing this service. Despite these changes, Google’s basic search engine would remain accessible for free, albeit accompanied by advertisements visible to both regular users and subscribers, according to the FT report.
In response to the reports, Google refuted the claims in a statement to the BBC. The tech giant clarified that it is not actively working on or considering an ad-free search experience. Instead, Google emphasized its commitment to continually enhancing its subscription offerings by introducing new premium features and services, although no specific announcements have been made at this time.
The development around Google’s Gemini AI assistant has not been without challenges, as earlier incidents this year raised concerns. Gemini, capable of responding to queries with text answers and generating images based on text inputs, faced backlash for producing inaccurate images. Following this controversy, Google promptly halted the tool, acknowledging that it had failed to meet expectations.
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