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Google’s Sundar Pichai Says The Technology They’re Working On is “More Profound Than Fire or Electricity”
Caleb Naysmith - Barchart - 42 minutes ago Columnist
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When ChatGPT was released, Google tried to match it with the release of Bard, now known as Gemini. It was vastly worse, and many nearly laughed it out of the room. Despite the initial flop, Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) model is quickly closing the gap with competitors, and is now considered a top contender in the AI race. Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), Google’s parent company, is one of the most prolific innovators in the world, and its innovation spans far beyond just large language models (LLMs).
Notably, its Waymo division has the only approved robotaxi service in the U.S., now clearing over 200,000 driverless rides per week. But they also have a number of other growing product lines, including Nest Smart Home devices, Calico for BioTech research, and their various cloud infrastructure services.
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But according to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, AI is by far its most important work. In an April 2023 interview on CBS's 60 Minutes, Pichai described AI as "the most profound technology humanity is working on — more profound than fire or electricity." He emphasized AI's potential to surpass all previous technological advancements in its impact on society.
Pichai highlighted the rapid development of AI technologies and their integration into various aspects of daily life. He acknowledged concerns about the pace of AI evolution, stating, "We don't have all the answers there yet, and the technology is moving fast. So does that keep me up at night? Absolutely."
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Addressing the potential risks associated with AI, Pichai called for proactive measures to ensure responsible development and deployment. He advocated for collaboration between technologists, ethicists, and policymakers to establish guidelines that align AI advancements with societal values.
The 60 Minutes segment also showcased Google's AI initiatives, including its chatbot and other experimental projects. Pichai's comments reflect a broader industry recognition of AI's transformative power and the necessity for thoughtful oversight as these technologies become increasingly integrated into various sectors.
As AI continues to evolve, Pichai's insights underscore the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations to harness its benefits while mitigating potential harms.
Alphabet's stock performance has mirrored the company's AI-driven initiatives. Since April of 2023, when Pichai first made these comments and Google began debuting its current generation of technology, its stock is up roughly 60%. In 2025, Alphabet stock is down 12% year-to-date on broader market concerns, and some regulatory issues the company is experiencing.
A federal judge recently affirmed Google's monopoly status in search, and another ruled the company held an illegal monopoly in online advertising markets. The Trump administration's Department of Justice is currently advocating that the search giant divest ownership of its popular Chrome browser, exacerbating these issues.
This is creating mixed signals for investors. If the regulatory woes end up not being as bad as they seem, it could result in a substantial boost to Alphabet’s top and bottom line. But as a company at the forefront of some of the biggest and most “profound” industries and technologies on the market, it’s clear that the potential upside for investors is immense.
On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here. |
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