When you want to find things online, you usually think of Google. But soon, Google search might not be free anymore.
However, don’t worry! Google will only charge for searches using advanced AI technology.
According to a report in the Financial Times,
Google is thinking about offering premium subscriptions for some AI-powered features in its search platform.
But don’t fret, regular searches will still be free with ads.
Only those who want AI features might have to pay a little.
Google’s basic search will stay free. Advanced AI features might come with a subscription.
Google wants to make its search engine better by using new AI technology. But it also wants to keep making money from ads.
Last year, Google made a lot of money from ads.
With competition from companies like OpenAI, Google is likely trying to stay ahead by offering something even better to users.
Google introduced an AI-powered search service last May. This service, called Search Generator Experience (SGE), uses AI to give short summaries and answers alongside search results and ads.
Though it started as an opt-in service, Google has been testing making it the default experience for some users.
But integrating it fully into search engines is taking time because it needs a lot of computing power.
While SGE promises a better user experience, it also challenges Google’s usual way of making money.
If the AI gives complete answers, people might not click on as many website links, which means fewer ad views for Google.
Google is working on this, but there’s no news on when it might be ready.
