Just a couple of months ago, a leaked memo said to be from a Google researcher cast doubt on the company’s future in AI, stating that it has “no moat” in the industry — and now, we seemingly have confirmation that it was real. In an interview with Decoder, Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google’s DeepMind, told The Verge that although he believes the memo was legitimate, he disagrees with its conclusions.
Nice to have confirmation on the authenticity of that memo, but this article is very short on further detail.
“Executive in charge of a division thinks that the division he’s in charge of is doing well” isn’t really that surprising a statement. IMO “making breakthroughs” is useful, but not really the most important thing here; the question is whether Google can take advantage of those breakthroughs and make a business out of them.
And make a business without undercutting it’s own money printer in targeted ads. You’re right, jury is still out on how these models will make money.