

From Blue Links to AI Agents: When Will GenAI Go Global with RBC's Brad Erickson & Matt Hedberg
May 20, 2025
Brad Erickson, an internet analyst at RBC Capital Markets, and Matt Hedberg, Managing Director of Software Research at RBCCM, dive into the tech landscape. They analyze Google's struggle with AI's impact on revenues and competition with Apple. Erickson highlights Meta's advancement in ad efficiency while Hedberg reveals the monetization of AI in companies like ServiceNow and Snowflake. They discuss the strategic roles of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike amid evolving tech trends, setting the stage for the future of generative AI.
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Google Search Face-off
- Google's search queries on Safari reportedly decreased for the first time, but Google claims overall growth across Apple devices.
- This reflects a competitive environment and regulatory scrutiny, influencing investor sentiment and stock price.
AI's Challenge to Google's Ads
- Google's monetization model depends heavily on traditional ads via 'blue links', which may not translate well to AI search interfaces.
- New AI-powered search experiences could reduce ad clicks but potentially increase ad value due to higher intent and fewer advertisers.
Distribution Is Google's Power
- Google's massive user distribution is a key advantage for quickly deploying AI tools widely.
- Owning the browser or agent layer could be pivotal in an AI-driven internet, disrupting traditional websites and search engines.