Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-16 08:01Core Insights - In early 2025, investors questioned Google's ability to keep pace with OpenAI in the AI race, but by the end of the year, Alphabet's stock achieved its best performance since 2009 [1] - Google's resurgence in AI is largely attributed to DeepMind, which was acquired in 2014 for approximately £400 million [1][9] - DeepMind's CEO, Demis Hassabis, emphasized the company's role as the "core engine" of Google's AI development and noted adjustments made to accelerate product deployment in a competitive environment [1][9] Company Adjustments - In 2023, Google merged its Google Brain research division with DeepMind, laying the groundwork for the success of its flagship AI assistant, Gemini [3][11] - Key personnel changes, including the promotion of Josh Woodward to oversee Gemini-related operations, have also contributed to this shift [3][11] - Despite being behind OpenAI after the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, Google has made strides in product commercialization and rapid deployment of AI technologies [3][11] Competitive Landscape - The current market competition is described as "fierce," with many industry veterans acknowledging it as one of the most intense periods in tech history [2][10] - Google faces competition not only from OpenAI but also from other companies like Amazon, Perplexity, and Anthropic [1][9] Product Development - Hassabis stated that the Gemini series models developed by DeepMind can be quickly integrated into various Google products, with a smoother deployment process observed over the past year [4][12] - The launch of Gemini 2.5 in March 2025 and Gemini 3 in November 2025 received high praise for their performance [4][11] Strategic Communication - Hassabis and Google CEO Sundar Pichai communicate almost daily to discuss strategic matters and technology development, highlighting DeepMind's significance in Google's overall planning [5][13] - This ongoing dialogue facilitates real-time adjustments to product roadmaps and long-term goals, aiming for the rapid and safe realization of general artificial intelligence [6][13] Market Dynamics - There is ongoing debate about whether the current AI boom represents a bubble, with significant investments flowing into AI startups, many of which have high valuations despite underdeveloped products [7][14] - Hassabis acknowledged that while some areas of AI may exhibit bubble-like characteristics, the technology itself is poised to be transformative for humanity [8][15] - He compared the current AI hype to the internet bubble of the late 1990s, suggesting that valuable companies will emerge from this period despite potential market corrections [8][15] Long-term Positioning - Hassabis expressed the need to ensure that the company is well-positioned to thrive regardless of future market conditions, whether they involve continued growth or a potential bubble burst [16] - He believes that the integration of AI with Google's core business places the company in a favorable position to benefit from future developments in the industry [16]