The Decline of Google's Product Strategy

Google's recent decisions, including the shutdown of its URL shortening service, signal a troubling trend in its product strategy. The company, once a leader in AI and innovation, is now perceived as lagging behind competitors like OpenAI and Meta despite its early breakthroughs in technology, such as transformers. This decline raises questions about the company's direction, particularly when it appears to be dismantling some of its most valuable services. The discussion emphasizes that the core issue lies in a lack of user experience-focused product management, leading to a disconnect between engineering priorities and customer needs.