According to the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, the company is planning to integrate flashy artificial intelligence (AI) features into its search engine to interact with users in a more human-like manner. This move is part of the company’s commitment to competing with other AI-powered search engines, including Microsoft’s OpenAI. Google has been a leader in developing large language models (LLMs) that generate responses similar to humans and will now use this technology to enhance its search engine’s user experience.
Pichai confirmed that users would be able to engage with LLMs in the context of search and ask questions to Google, as well. Microsoft recently unveiled its enhanced version of Bing powered by ChatGPT, an AI-powered bot developed by OpenAI, which demonstrated advanced conversational abilities, including composing emails, essays, and software code. The introduction of ChatGPT sparked concerns that it could replace knowledge-based jobs. However, the technology is being credited with helping Bing exceed 100 million daily active users.
Google’s response to this competition is the experimental AI chatbot Bard, which Pichai unveiled earlier this year. Bard combines the world’s knowledge with large language models’ power, intelligence, and creativity, according to Pichai. It draws information from the web to provide high-quality responses. Google and other tech giants are currently in the middle of a transition, which includes cost-cutting and downsizing their payrolls due to economic headwinds. Pichai welcomed the competition from Microsoft and other AI-powered search engines.
