CNBC·2025-12-20 12:00Core Insights - Google is focusing on its AI strategy, particularly through the Gemini app, to compete with rivals like OpenAI, which has significantly influenced consumer behavior towards AI-powered applications [2][3][4] - Josh Woodward, who has been with Google since 2009, is leading the Gemini app and is recognized for his ability to navigate challenges and execute quickly within the company [4][12] - The Gemini app has seen substantial growth, with monthly active users increasing from 350 million in March to 650 million in October 2025, and it has surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT in popularity on Apple's App Store [11] Company Strategy - Google is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with capital expenditures projected to reach between $91 billion and $93 billion for the year, up from a previous forecast of $85 billion [10] - The launch of the Nano Banana feature within the Gemini app has been a significant success, leading to infrastructure overload due to its popularity [8][9] - The introduction of Gemini 3 has generated excitement in the tech sector, indicating a strong commitment to innovation and product development [12] Competitive Landscape - Alphabet's stock has rebounded significantly, up 62% in 2025, outperforming major competitors like Meta, which is up 13% [11] - The competitive pressure from AI rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic is prompting Google to balance rapid development with ethical considerations in AI deployment [13][16] User Engagement - Woodward's approach includes direct engagement with users through platforms like X and Reddit, which helps in addressing user feedback effectively [34] - The company has implemented systems like "block" and "Papercuts" to streamline processes and resolve minor issues that hinder product development [31][33] Future Outlook - Expectations are high for Google to continue delivering innovative AI features in 2026, with CEO Sundar Pichai noting the impressive momentum in product development [37][38]