Google mulls paid premium features leveraging GenAI

Delhi: Google is contemplating the introduction of paid "premium" features leveraging generative artificial intelligence, marking a significant potential overhaul of its search operations.

Reports suggest that Google is exploring the inclusion of specific AI-driven search functionalities within its premium subscription services. These services currently grant access to the Gemini AI assistant in platforms like Gmail and Docs.

Under this proposal, Google's conventional search engine would remain free, with advertisements continuing to accompany search results, even for subscribers. 

This year, Google introduced a new premium tier to its Google One consumer subscription service, catering to users seeking access to its advanced Gemini chatbot. Furthermore, Gemini has been integrated into Workspace, Google's suite of online productivity tools such as Gmail and Docs.

Details are scant regarding how Google plans to integrate AI-powered search into these paid services, which offer varying pricing tiers. Additionally, the timeline for the launch of the AI-powered search offering remains uncertain. There is speculation that Google may eventually introduce elements of its experimental AI-powered service into its primary free search engine.