Google is considering the idea of adding premium features to its AI-driven search engine, as reported by the Financial Times. These features might become part of Google’s subscription services, offering more AI capabilities alongside the Gemini AI assistant in Gmail and Docs.
It would be a new move for Google to put some of its core products behind a paywall, marking its entry into the competitive AI domain. However, the regular Google search engine will remain free, with ads continuing to appear even for subscribers.
The company clarified that it isn’t considering an ad-free search experience but is focusing on enhancing subscription services with premium features. And it seems like Google is in a race with industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft, both of whom are heavily invested in AI technologies.
The new search features could include AI-generated summaries and responses to questions. This might make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for, but it could also mean fewer clicks on ads, which is how Google makes money.
The report noted that Google hasn’t decided yet when or if these changes will happen. They’re still working on the technology and figuring out how to make it work. But they’re considering adding these features to subscription services like Gemini Advanced or Google One.
So, while the basic Google search will stay free, you might need to pay for the AI-powered version in the future. And, we’ll likely hear more about this as the Search Generative Experience (SGE) gets closer to its one-year anniversary.