Will Google charge for AI search?

Specifically, Google is looking to offer premium, AI-powered features in its core search product — for a fee.

Reliable sources suggest that these AI-powered advanced search features could become part of Google's existing subscription services like Gemini Advanced or Google One.

Notably, the report indicates that even Google Search's premium plan will still feature ads, while the traditional version will remain free to use.

This potential shift appears to stem from Google’s need to balance two priorities: integrating advanced AI into its search experience while protecting its lucrative search advertising business, which is its financial backbone. Google’s advertising revenue was $175 billion last year. Meanwhile, the rapid rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has thrust Google into the race for AI dominance.

Google sẽ tính phí tính năng tìm kiếm bằng AI?. Ảnh minh họa

Will Google charge for AI search feature?. Illustration photo

Google began testing an AI-powered search service called Search Generative Experience (SGE) last May. SGE provides AI-powered summaries and responses to queries, alongside traditional links and ads.

While SGE has the potential to benefit users, it also challenges the foundation of Google’s current business model. AI’s ability to provide comprehensive answers could lead to a decrease in the number of times users click on website links, resulting in fewer ad impressions and potentially jeopardizing Google’s core revenue source.

Google is now offering a paid subscription service called Google One for users who want access to its most advanced chatbot, Gemini. This AI platform is also integrated into the Workspace office suite, including Gmail, Docs, and more.

The search giant said it ruled out offering an ad-free search experience, but would “continue to develop premium features to enhance the paid service.”

The report also claims that Google engineers have been developing the technology, but a final decision and launch date remain uncertain.

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