Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his confidence in Google’s AI capabilities during an appearance at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday.
Responding to questions about the AI rivalry between Google and Microsoft, Pichai said he would “love to do a side-by-side comparison” of the two companies’ AI models.
The AI Showdown
Pichai’s comments came after interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin read statements from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who earlier this year questioned Google’s position in the AI race.
Nadella’s remarks, made in March on the Norges Bank Investment Management’s podcast, pointed out Google’s historically strong AI credentials:
He said:
“Google should have been the default winner in the world of big tech’s AI race. Google’s a very competent company and obviously they have both the talent and the compute. They’re the vertically integrated player in this. They have everything from data to silicon to models to products and distribution.”
In response, Pichai emphasized Google’s use of its proprietary large language models (LLMs) and subtly critiqued Microsoft’s reliance on models from OpenAI for many of its advanced AI features.
Pichai said:
“I’d love to do a side-by-side comparison of Microsoft’s own models and our models any day, any time.
“I’m just — I have a lot of respect for them and the team.”
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Google’s AI Legacy
Google has been a major player in AI for years, leveraging its in-house LLMs to power its products.
The company’s Gemini series of LLMs represents its latest efforts in conversational AI, competing directly with OpenAI’s GPT models.
Announced in May, Gemini-powered tools are a centerpiece of Google’s strategy to maintain its dominance in search and other AI-driven applications.
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Microsoft’s AI Approach
While Microsoft does have its own AI models, much of its AI success comes from its partnership with OpenAI.
This collaboration has enabled Microsoft to integrate OpenAI’s GPT models into its products, including the Bing search engine and other enterprise tools.
The AI market has grown exponentially since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT in late 2022, sparking widespread adoption of AI chatbots and tools.
Microsoft’s integration of OpenAI’s technology has helped it challenge Google’s position in search and conversational AI.
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Escalating Rivalry
Pichai’s remarks come amid increasing competition between tech giants in the AI space.
In October, Microsoft accused Google of running “shadow campaigns” in Europe to undermine its reputation with regulators—an unusual public move highlighting the tension between the two companies.
Neither Microsoft nor OpenAI responded to requests for comments on Pichai’s statements.
Looking Ahead
The rivalry between Google and Microsoft underscores the high stakes in the rapidly evolving AI market.
With both companies vying for leadership, consumers and businesses stand to benefit from advancements driven by this competition.
Pichai’s suggestion of a direct comparison could set the stage for further debate on the strengths and capabilities of each company’s AI models.
