Google is considering charging for premium features on its generative AI powered search engine.
The tech giant is exploring various options including incorporating AI powered search features to its premium subscription services, that already provide access to its new Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs.
This move will mark Google putting it for the first time any of its core products behind the paywall, as it seeks to gain ground in fast-moving AI space. Some time ago Google had experimentally launched the snapshot feature of Generative AI with Google Search.
With the help of this feature, AI shows users about the searched topic above search results. Google earns a lot from Google search but after the arrival of ChatGPT, the company faced a threat to its business. It has been almost one and half years since the inception of ChatGPT was launched, Google is considering a major change in its business model.
Faced with ChatGPT threat, Google started piloting an AI-driven search service, Search Generative Experience last year. This provides in-depth responses to queries alongside traditional search results and ads.
However, the high computing costs of AI generative have made Google hesitant to integrate these features into its primary search engine fully and that is why the major tech giant is looking to charge uses for it.
The traditional search engine would remain free of charge with an additional content available for those who pay a fee. Adverts would continue to appear alongside search results even for subscribers. Google spokesperson said- “We are not working on or considering an ad-free search experience. As we have done many times before, we will continue to build new premium capabilities and services to enhance subscriptions offerings across Google.
Though, the precise information of Google’s plan to incorporate AI powered search into its various subscription tiers as well as the anticipated launch date remain unclear.
