Alphabet bets big on AI for search
A new era in search and healthcare by the tech giant.
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is doubling down on AI to reshape its core search business, which generates the majority of its $300 billion annual revenue. At the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, Alphabet President Ruth Porat described AI as a ‘generational opportunity’ for the company, with tools like AI-generated query overviews aiming to make search more intuitive. However, challenges such as AI ‘hallucinations,’ where incorrect information is generated, remain a key hurdle.
Beyond search, Alphabet is channeling its AI expertise into healthcare advancements. Porat highlighted innovations like AlphaFold, which predicts protein structures to aid drug discovery, and AI tools that could prevent blindness or enhance the doctor-patient relationship by reducing screen time for medical professionals. These efforts reflect the company’s broader commitment to applying technology for societal benefits.
Alphabet’s financial investments in AI are substantial, with $50 billion projected in capital expenditures for 2024, including data centres and chips. Porat emphasised the need for these investments to yield tangible returns while shaping the future of both technology and human connection.
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