Now Reading: Google reshuffles AI division as Gemini lags rivals
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Google reshuffles AI division as Gemini lags rivals
Google has restructured its AI unit, Google DeepMind, after internal tests showed its flagship Gemini model lags behind rivals from OpenAI and Anthropic in areas such as coding. Co-founder Sergey Brin urged…
The Story in Brief
Google has restructured its AI unit, Google DeepMind, after internal tests showed its flagship Gemini model lags behind rivals from OpenAI and Anthropic in areas such as coding. Co-founder Sergey Brin urged staff to move faster at an April town hall, sources told Reuters. On August 5, Demis Hassabis stepped aside as DeepMind chief, becoming chair, while deputy Koray Kavukcuoglu took over. The two original technical co-leads of Gemini quit to start a new company. Days later, staff were told some teams would move from DeepMind into Google’s corporate structure, raising concerns about the lab’s independence.
The shakeup reflects Alphabet’s push to commercialise AI. Reuters reports that Brin’s intervention and the leadership changes are tied to an effort to regain model supremacy. Google’s stock fell 4% on the announcement. The company declined to comment on Brin’s involvement or structural changes.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that deep-pocketed giants inevitably dominate AI has frayed. Google spent billions on DeepMind but now finds itself playing catch-up to Anthropic and OpenAI, both leaner rivals. The real story is not about resources but focus: DeepMind’s broader research mission clashed with Alphabet’s need for commercial wins. The test ahead is whether Kavukcuoglu can deliver a Gemini update that closes the coding gap, or if the brain drain of top talent will prove permanent.
Sources (2): timesnownews.com, thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
