He also welcomed any side-by-side comparison to Microsoft’s AI tech, saying ‘they’re using someone else’s models.’
Google Search, the crown jewel of the internet, is about to undergo a massive transformation. According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, 2025 will mark the beginning of a profound evolution in how we interact with search engines. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Pichai offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Google’s flagship product, hinting at groundbreaking advancements powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
“I think we are going to be able to tackle more complex questions than ever before,” Pichai said confidently. “You’ll be surprised, even early in ‘25, by the kind of things Search will be able to do compared to where it stands today.”
A Race Toward the AI Frontier
Pichai also addressed the growing rivalry between Google and Microsoft in the AI space. Earlier this year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made waves by claiming that Google should have been the “default winner” in the AI race. Pichai, however, was quick to push back.
“I would love to do a side-by-side comparison of Microsoft’s models and our models,” he said. Without naming names, Pichai took a subtle jab at Microsoft’s reliance on OpenAI’s technology, stating, “Microsoft is using someone else’s models.”
The veiled remark underscores Google’s commitment to developing cutting-edge AI technology in-house. “When I look at what’s coming ahead, we are in the earliest stages of a profound shift,” Pichai added. “There’s so much innovation ahead, and we are committed to being at the forefront. I think we are truly at the state of the art in this field.”
A Glimpse Into the Future of Google Search
Google has already started laying the groundwork for its AI-powered vision of Search. This year, the company unveiled several updates, including:
- AI-Powered Summaries: Search results now come with concise, AI-generated answers that help users quickly grasp complex topics.
- Lens Video Integration: Google Lens received a significant update, enabling users to search the web using videos rather than just images.
Pichai’s remarks suggest that these updates are just the beginning. Google is also gearing up to release a major upgrade to its Gemini AI model, positioning it as a direct competitor to Microsoft’s AI offerings, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and the up-and-coming AI search engine Perplexity.
Tackling Complex Questions and Beyond
The future of Google Search lies in its ability to handle increasingly sophisticated queries. Today, search engines excel at answering straightforward questions like “What is the weather in New York?” or “How do I bake a cake?” But Pichai envisions a future where Search can help solve far more intricate problems—think personalized career advice, scientific research, or even creative brainstorming.
“We are reimagining Search from the ground up,” Pichai said. “With the power of AI, we can not only provide better answers but also help people discover ideas and solutions they didn’t even know they needed.”
The Stakes in the AI Race
Google’s focus on innovation comes at a critical time. The AI landscape is more competitive than ever, with Microsoft leveraging its partnership with OpenAI to integrate AI capabilities across its products, including Bing. Meanwhile, newcomers like Perplexity are gaining traction with their own AI-first approaches to search.
Despite the heightened competition, Google remains confident in its ability to lead. With a track record of pioneering advancements like Google Maps, Gmail, and Android, the company’s upcoming AI-driven search overhaul could redefine how billions of people access information online.
What Can We Expect in 2025?
While Pichai kept most details under wraps, his comments suggest that 2025 will bring a Search experience unlike anything we’ve seen before. From answering multifaceted questions to integrating more visual and interactive elements, Google aims to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging its vast expertise in AI and machine learning.
For now, one thing is clear: the search engine we know today will look dramatically different in just a few years. As Pichai aptly put it, “We are in the midst of a profound shift, and it’s only the beginning.”
Brace yourselves—Google Search 2.0 is coming, and it’s going to change how we explore the internet forever.
