Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google is considering charging for premium features on its generative AI-powered search engine, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the plan.
The report said that the tech giant is looking at various options, including incorporating AI-powered search features into its premium subscription services, which already provide access to its new Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs.
The move would mark Google’s first time putting any of its core products behind a paywall. The report added that its traditional search engine would remain free of charge, and ads would continue to appear alongside search results even for subscribers.
“We’re not working on or considering an ad-free search experience. As we’ve done many times before, we’ll continue to build new premium capabilities and services to enhance our subscription offerings across Google,” the company told Reuters in an emailed statement.
Google, the pioneer of the foundational technology driving today’s AI boom, is not alone in this arena. It is currently in fierce competition with two major players that have captured the business world’s attention – OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and its supporter Microsoft (MSFT.O).
