"AI is the new electricity". - Andrew Ng, AI pioneer
Google regained AI leadership by accelerating Gemini, scaling multimodal models, and deeply integrating AI across Search, Workspace, and Cloud. Under CEO Sundar Pichai, co-founder Sergey Brin returned to hands-on AI work, reinforcing the founding vision of Google, originally shaped with Larry Page, and powered by DeepMind.
Google strategic pivot
Google faced pressure as ChatGPT dominated the early market. Sundar Pichai accelerated AI efforts, pivoting the company from a mobile-first focus to an AI-first strategy. This shift was essential to protect the core search business and regain standing as a leader in the new generative era.
Rise and rise of Gemini
The launch of Gemini marked a major turning point. Originally developed under the code name Nano Banana, this model quickly became a top download. By combining the strengths of DeepMind and Google Brain, the company produced a powerful model capable of competing directly with its rivals at OpenAI. This happened over a long period of time, and manifested in full strength end-2025.
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Custom silicon
Success required more than software. Google leveraged custom chips known as tensor processing units (TPUs) to provide computing power. The development of the Ironwood chip helped reduce operational costs, allowing the company to scale its AI tools to hundreds of millions of users across the globe.
Revenue and user growth
These advancements led to substantial financial gains. Google generated revenue through search ads, paid Gemini subscriptions, and sales of specialized hardware. By late 2024, the Gemini platform reached 650 million monthly users, proving the company successfully commercialized its advanced research on a global scale.
Reshaping search experience
Integrating AI Overviews into search results represents the biggest overhaul in years. Project Magi focused on making search more conversational. While legal challenges persist, Google argues that AI has changed the search landscape, positioning the company for a new era of digital interaction and utility.
Summary
Google regained momentum by merging research teams and leveraging custom hardware. Through Gemini and AI search integration, the company reached 650 million users, turning a potential crisis into a major revenue driver and market lead while maintaining its dominance in the evolving digital landscape.
Food for thought
Will the traditional web of creators survive if AI models provide all answers directly?
AI concept to learn: Tensor Processing Units
Tensor processing units are specialized circuits designed to accelerate machine learning tasks. They are optimized for the complex mathematical calculations required to run large neural networks. This hardware allows companies to process data quickly and at a lower cost than standard chips.
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[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
