Alphabet’s Google will transfer the team behind the Gemini app to its artificial intelligence (AI) research lab, DeepMind, as part of the tech giant’s efforts to streamline its structure and enhance its position in the generative AI landscape.
This move comes in the wake of several recent advancements across Google’s AI products, including the success of NotebookLM with Audio Overviews, improved information retrieval in Search and Lens, and a revamped Google Shopping experience tailored for the AI era.
Google’s latest organisational changes include the establishment of Google DeepMind and the integration of the Platforms & Devices teams.
The Gemini app team, led by Sissie Hsiao, will be integrated into Google DeepMind, overseen by Demis Hassabis. This consolidation aims to improve feedback loops, facilitate the rapid deployment of new models, and enhance post-training processes, thereby leveraging the momentum of their product developments.
On the other hand, the Assistant teams focusing on devices and home experiences will be merged into the Platforms & Devices group to enhance collaboration and user experience across AI-driven home initiatives.
Leadership changes to strengthen AI strategy
Prabhakar Raghavan, who has been with Google for 12 years, will transition to the role of the American tech major’s chief technologist. This is expected to allow him to focus on providing technical direction and leadership along with fostering a culture of technological excellence.
His leadership journey has spanned various sectors within Google, including Research, Workspace, Ads, and Knowledge & Information (K&I). Notable achievements under his guidance include the launch of Smart Reply and Smart Compose features in Gmail, which utilised AI to enhance user interaction.
Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai remarked that under Prabhakar’s leadership, K&I has seen significant innovation, such as AI Overviews in Search, advancements in Maps, and AI-driven features in Ads and Shopping.
Nick Fox, another Google executive, will take over as senior vice president of K&I, succeeding Prabhakar. Fox has been instrumental in shaping Google’s AI product roadmap and collaborating closely with Prabhakar and his leadership team on K&I’s strategy, noted Pichai.
Pichai added: “Nick has demonstrated leadership across nearly every facet of K&I, from Product and Design in Search and Assistant to our Shopping, Travel, and Payments products. He was also a pioneering leader in Ads, where he helped establish a rigorous quality and user-focused approach that remains key to our success.
“Nick has launched innovative consumer products like Google Fi and spearheaded complex initiatives such as RCS messaging.”
Google began displaying ads within its AI Overview feature earlier this month, marking a significant advancement in its strategy to boost advertising opportunities within its AI-powered search tools. The AI Overviews feature, which generates summaries for specific search queries, is part of Alphabet’s broader initiative to enhance the user experience with artificial intelligence.
Read more: Google introduces ads in AI Overview search results feature
