Stratechery Google's True Moonshot
Dec 18, 2023
The podcast dives into the development hurdles of Google's digital assistant, comparing it to Siri and Alexa. It tackles the antitrust challenges Google faces after losing its default status in Apple's ecosystem. The discussion covers Google's ambitions in machine learning with TensorFlow and its partnerships, particularly with NVIDIA. A controversial demo of the Gemini AI raises questions about its true capabilities. Finally, the podcast explores the integration of Gemini within Google's product ecosystem and the competitive landscape impacting its future.
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Episode notes
Independence Over Influence
- Ben Thompson stopped consulting after a Google gig in 2015.
- He realized that non-public information limited his independent analysis.
OK Google's Strategic Branding
- "OK Google" was a strategic branding choice, positioning Google Assistant as a smart robot.
- However, it faced limitations in natural language processing, requiring precise commands.
One Answer vs. Many Ads
- Google's strength is in providing one right answer, aligning with its "I'm feeling lucky" philosophy.
- This approach, however, clashes with its ad-driven business model, which relies on users clicking multiple search results.