Why Google is struggling in the AI race: insights from Gmail’s creator

Top 3 Key Points:
- Shift in Focus: Google’s shift towards search dominance may have hindered its AI progress.
- AI’s Disruptive Nature: AI technology could disrupt Google’s ad revenue model.
- Strategic Challenges: Google’s divided focus on AI and search is slowing its AI advancements.
Google, one of the world’s largest tech giants, should ideally be leading the charge in artificial intelligence (AI). However, despite its vast resources and expertise, the company seems to be falling behind in the AI race. Paul Buchheit, the creator of Gmail, recently shared his thoughts on why Google is struggling to maintain its edge in AI development.
Gmail’s Legacy and Google’s AI Journey
Gmail, which turned 20 this year, revolutionized email with innovative features that have since attracted over 1.8 billion users worldwide. Despite this success, Buchheit points out that Google’s trajectory in AI has not been as smooth.
Google’s AI Challenges
During a recent episode of the Y Combinator Startup podcast, Buchheit discussed why Google is struggling with its AI initiatives. Despite developing impressive AI products, Google has faced numerous challenges, including controversies surrounding its AI-generated content. For instance, its Gemini AI system still struggles with generating realistic images of people, and earlier AI issues like the “glue on pizza” incident have damaged the company’s reputation.
The Impact of Alphabet’s Reorganization
Buchheit highlighted that Google’s decline in AI innovation began nearly a decade ago, coinciding with its reorganization under Alphabet in 2015. This restructuring led Google to focus more on maintaining its dominance in the search market, where it continues to hold a monopoly.
The Disruptive Potential of AI
Google’s emphasis on search, which has been incredibly profitable, has come at the cost of its AI development. Buchheit explains that AI has the potential to disrupt traditional search engines, as AI-generated answers reduce the need for users to visit ad-supported web pages. This creates a dilemma for Google: advancing AI could undermine its primary revenue source.
Conclusion: A Divided Focus
Ultimately, Buchheit believes that Google’s divided focus between AI and search is preventing it from becoming the top AI company. As AI continues to evolve, Google’s ability to balance these competing priorities will determine its future success in the AI landscape.
Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android
Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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