Google’s search engine is set to undergo significant transformation in 2025, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Pichai hinted at groundbreaking advancements, emphasizing the company’s commitment to tackling increasingly complex queries.
“I think we are going to be able to tackle more complex questions than ever before,” Pichai stated. He added that early in 2025, users would see remarkable capabilities that surpass the current version of Google Search. “I think you’ll be surprised, even early in ’25, the kind of newer things Search can do compared to where it is today.”
During the summit, Pichai addressed comments made earlier this year by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who remarked that Google should have been the “default winner” in the artificial intelligence race.
“I would love to do a side-by-side comparison of Microsoft’s own models and our models,” Pichai responded, suggesting confidence in Google’s AI capabilities. He also noted that Microsoft relies on external models, referring to the company’s partnership with OpenAI.
“When I look at what’s coming ahead, we are in the earliest stages of a profound shift,” Pichai explained. He expressed optimism about the future of AI-driven innovation and reiterated Google’s dedication to leading the field. “I just think there’s so much innovation ahead. We are committed to being at the state of the art in this field, and I think we are.”
The foundation for these ambitious 2025 plans has already been laid, with Google initiating a major AI overhaul of its Search platform in 2023. Notable updates included AI-generated search summaries and an enhanced Lens feature that allows users to conduct web searches using videos.
These developments signify Google’s determination to maintain its competitive edge as it faces growing challenges from Microsoft, OpenAI, and emerging AI-focused search engines like Perplexity.
Another critical element in Google’s strategy is the anticipated launch of a major update to its Gemini AI model. The update aims to solidify Google’s standing in the competitive AI landscape, where rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI are advancing rapidly.
The Gemini model, introduced as part of Google’s broader AI efforts, reflects the company’s focus on developing tools and capabilities that align with evolving user needs. By integrating this model into its suite of offerings, Google intends to redefine the scope and efficiency of AI-powered search.
Pichai’s comments underscore a period of transformative change, not only for Google but also for the broader AI and search landscape. The advancements planned for 2025 suggest a future where search engines are capable of addressing increasingly intricate and nuanced queries, creating new possibilities for users and businesses alike.
As Pichai emphasized, the industry is in the “earliest stages” of this evolution, with immense potential for innovation still ahead. Google’s efforts to remain “state of the art” signal its ambition to lead this shift while reshaping how users interact with digital information.
Google’s vision for its search engine represents more than just technological progress—it reflects a commitment to staying ahead in an intensely competitive market. As AI continues to evolve, the company’s proactive approach, exemplified by updates to Search, Lens, and the Gemini model, positions it to remain a dominant force in the industry.
While Pichai’s remarks suggest confidence, they also hint at the high stakes involved in maintaining Google’s reputation as the leader in search and AI innovation. With competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI pushing boundaries, the race for dominance in AI-driven search is far from over.
As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Google to see how these promised “profound” changes materialize and redefine the landscape of digital search.