Google vs. Google: The internal struggle holding back its AI

Summary

The video examines how Google has struggled to capitalize on the AI hype and chatbot momentum, falling behind competitors. It explores potential reasons - an inability to disrupt search, a confusing product strategy, talent drain - and questions whether CEO Sundar Pichai can provide the leadership needed. The missteps with Google's AI chatbot Gemini have fueled doubts over Google's AI capabilities and culture, prompting investor selloffs. While Google still dominates search, its future growth may require decisive action and cultural change to compete in AI.

Takeaways

• 😟 Google was late to release its AI chatbot compared to competitors like ChatGPT and Bing.
• 😠 Gemini, Google's chatbot, faced backlash over concerning responses on sensitive topics.
• 😢 This has raised questions about Google's ability to lead in AI.
• 😡 Some are calling for leadership changes like replacing CEO Sundar Pichai.
• 🤔 Google may be reluctant to disrupt its lucrative search business with AI.
• 😕 Key AI talent is leaving Google to start their own companies.
• 🙁 Google has a history of launching and then shutting down products.
• 😞 Google's cloud business lags far behind Amazon and Microsoft.
• 🤨 Google has the tools to succeed but keeps misstepping in AI.
• 😐 The Gemini botch may be looked back on as when Google lost its edge in AI.

Q & A

What caused Google's share price to sink recently?

Google's share price sank over 4% as it struggles to compete in the AI race, especially after controversies around its AI chatbot Gemini.

What are some of the controversies surrounding Gemini?

Gemini refused to condemn pedophiles in some responses and equated Elon Musk with Hitler, showing bias. It also led to offensive image generations when asked about historical figures.

How have chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing bot struggled with issues?

They have shown issues like spreading misinformation, exhibiting bias, hostility towards users, and 'hallucinating' incorrect information.

Why does Google seem to be falling behind competitors in AI?

Competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI don't have massive search advertising businesses to disrupt, so they can move faster. Google also seems unable to let go of search.

What are some examples of failed or discontinued Google products?

Google has killed over 280 products, including cloud gaming platform Stadia, social network Google Plus, photo sharing app Picasa, and the Google Pay app.

How profitable is Google's cloud business compared to rivals?

Google Cloud is much less profitable and smaller in scale than Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure.

Is Google at risk of a brain drain in AI talent?

Yes, top AI talent is leaving Google to start their own companies. Google also has a reputation as a place for engineers to 'rest and vest'.

What attempts has Google made in areas like messaging and payments?

Google has made many attempts in messaging, payments and other areas by rebranding and relaunching products, but with little success so far.

What reactions has Google's stock had around AI developments?

Google's stock has swung widely on both positive and negative AI announcements and events.

Could the Gemini botch mark the moment Google started to lose its edge in technology?

Some speculate that the poor Gemini rollout could be looked back on as when Google began to lose its a status as an innovation leader.