Google is a major player in the AI field, but according to former employee Scott Jenson, the company’s focus on AI projects is driven by fear that they will be left behind rather than by actual user needs. Jenson, a senior UX designer who worked at Google for 16 years, expressed frustration with the tech industry’s approach to AI, citing examples like Google’s failed attempt at launching Google+ to compete with Facebook.
Jenson noted that Google and Apple are both guilty of trying to create AI monopolies, with Apple also seeking to lock users into its ecosystem with Siri. Despite their past investments in AI, both companies have struggled to keep up with up-and-coming AI startups like OpenAI. For example, Google’s announcement of its AI model Gemini 1.5 was quickly overshadowed by OpenAI’s abandonment of its text-to-video model sora. Likewise, OpenAI’s recent launch of GPT-4o came just before Google’s announcement of updates to its own models.
Both Google and Apple have been working to integrate ChatGPT into their products, with Apple reportedly close to a deal with OpenAI to include the technology in the next version of iOS. Jenson’s critique highlights the competitive nature of the AI space, where tech giants are constantly trying to outdo each other and stay ahead of the curve.
In conclusion, Jenson’s remarks shed light on the intense competition and pressure faced by tech companies like Google and Apple in the AI industry. Despite their deep pockets and past investments, these companies are constantly playing catch-up with up-and-coming AI startups like OpenAI. The fear of being left behind drives their AI projects, rather than a genuine focus on meeting user needs. The future of AI development will likely continue to be shaped by this competitive landscape as companies vie for dominance in the field.
Article Source
https://www.businessinsider.com/ex-googler-ai-work-driven-by-stone-cold-panic-2024-5