• Google's ad business and AI preparation: Google builds a successful business with ads in search results. Its recent quarterly results show $50 billion from search ads. It's preparing for AI dominance by testing chatbot ads. A 2024 plan to adapt AdSense ads to chatbot experience was started, with a small test in late 2023 partnering with some AI startups. Now more chatbot makers can sign up for AdSense.
• A path to profit: Google is racing to catch up with OpenAI. Generative AI is expensive to run. Running ads in free AI products may defray costs. Google may expand AI subscription tiers. Gemini users noticed hints of subscription plans leakage. The only current Google AI subscription is Gemini Advanced at $20 per month. Competitors have higher monthly plans. Google I/O this month may clarify how to monetize Gemini. Free chatbots may have interstitial AdSense ads without premium access, and Google may upsell more expensive Gemini services. The free ride may end.