Sources say Google is considering charging for its AI-based search engine and adding some features to its premium subscription service

On April 4, the Financial Times quoted three people familiar with Google as saying that Google is considering charging for searches based on artificial intelligence. This is a major change in its business model. Because since 2000, Google’s search products have always relied on advertising to make money.

Google is reportedly considering keeping standard search (without AI features) free and is considering a variety of options, including adding certain AI-based search features to its premium subscription service. However, paying users will still see ads in Gemini-powered search results.

Although search advertising brought in $175 billion in revenue for Google last year, it may still not be enough to cover the increased costs of AI search. According to a Reuters report last year, running a search query through advanced neural networks such as Gemini can cost up to 10 times more than a standard keyword search. Last May, Google began testing an experimental artificial intelligence search service that

provided more detailed answers to searches while continuing to provide users with more information and advertising links

. However, Google has been slow to add any features from this experiment to its main search engine. This site’s statement: This is not the first time that Google has charged for AI enhancements. Google's Google One subscription for "AI Premium" costs $10 more per month than the standard "Premium" plan, and "Gemini Business" adds $20 per month to the standard Google Workspace subscription.

Google provides subscribers with access to its Gemini Advanced model, and also prepares basic Gemini models for free users of these services.

The "Financial Times" reported that Google will imitate Apple's iOS 14 users to provide various paid AI functions and will open an AI Store app store in the iOS 14 system. Users can unlock more AI skills by paying relevant fees. , may be what this site reported earlier today.

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