Google Explores Premium AI-Powered Features for Search Engine, Maintains Ad-Supported Model

Google Explores Premium AI-Powered Features for Search Engine, Maintains Ad-Supported Model

Crypto News – Google is exploring the possibility of introducing premium features driven by generative artificial intelligence (AI) within its search engine, a move that would signify the first instance of a core Google product being gated behind a paywall. However, users will still have access to the free search experience supported by advertisements.

According to a report by the Financial Times dated April 3rd, the tech behemoth is examining various options, including integrating AI-powered search functionalities into its premium subscription services, which already grant users access to the new Gemini AI assistant within platforms like Gmail and Docs.

Google’s primary revenue stream relies heavily on advertising. While the company already offers several subscription plans featuring products like the Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs, these subscriptions currently do not augment the search experience. Despite Google Search being freely accessible since its inception in the early 2000s, the company appears to be exploring alternative avenues for monetization.

The report also notes that Google‘s traditional search engine will remain free of charge, with ads continuing to be displayed alongside search results even for subscribers.

Given the intensifying competition in the realm of AI, many tech companies are striving to introduce more innovative products to the market. Google has initiated trials of its AI-driven search tool, which blends personalized narratives with web links and advertisements. However, integration into the primary search engine has been delayed due to sluggish adoption of features from its experimental “search generative experience.”

Yet, AI-driven queries necessitate substantial computing resources, which translate into higher costs compared to standard queries. Hence, offering Google’s “Search Generative Experience” for free may not be financially viable.

A spokesperson from Google has stated that the company currently has no plans to offer an ad-free search experience. Instead, Google intends to continue developing new premium capabilities and services to enrich its subscription offerings across various platforms, as it has done in the past.

In February, Google introduced a new paid tier to its consumer subscription service, granting users access to its latest AI model, Gemini. Subscribers to this tier, known as Google One AI Premium, can utilize the advanced Gemini chatbot and leverage the generative AI model across popular services such as Gmail and Google Docs.

As a pioneer in the technology underpinning the current AI surge, Google finds itself in fierce competition with two prominent industry players: OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and Microsoft, a staunch supporter of AI advancement.