So, an interesting thing has emerged in the ever-evolving world of A.I. This one boggles the goggles.
Last year, Google launched its Gemini AI system as a contender to ChatGPT's growing popularity and dominance. Immediately, Google offered to add their Gemini service to subscribers' Gmail accounts (for a fee of course). I tried it. It's my job - I tried it! The service was sub-par and I concluded: 'why pay for something that is not very good, when I was already using a FREE version of the AMAZING ChatGPT?' The answer was obvious and I cancelled Gemini. From conversations with my tech peers, I was not alone in being unimpressed.
Apparently, Google's competitive angst was triggered by such low uptick in sales of Gemini, so Google has tried another tactic. Starting this week, I began to receive notifications from Google about how the 'Google AI' was now included in all Gmail accounts. This was nothing to be excited about, however. Here's how it went:
- Google has added Google AI to all WorkSpace accounts without making it an option
- Google is applying a price increase for the new Google AI addition
- Customers who are billed month-to-month by Google will see an increase on their next monthly renewal
- Customers who are billed on contractual basis will be subjected to the price increase at the time of contract renewal
The price increase equates to a 17.5% jump in cost which if multiplied by hundreds of user accounts at some of the organizations I manage, is NOT small potatoes!
This reminds me of the antitrust case against Microsoft in the late '90s. Their internet browser (Internet Explorer) kind of sucked air. Competitors like Netscape, Opera and other embryonic contenders from Apple and Phoenix (later FireFox) were crying foul that Microsoft was trying everything in their power to FORCE the use of Internet Explorer down everyone's throats.
The legal battled focused on Microsoft's practice of bundling Internet Explorer with its dominant Windows operating system. Critics argued that this move unfairly pushed competitors like Netscape Navigator out of the market, limiting consumer choice and stifling innovation. The legal battle led to rulings and settlements intended to break up or curb Microsoft's monopolistic practices, ultimately reshaping the competitive landscape in the software industry.
We know Google is running scared by the strength of the small AI startups taking ground and search traffic away from them, so... Could history be repeating itself here?
Let's draw a parallel about the bad taste this might leave in your mouth:
Would You Like Anchovies With That?
Pat: Hello. This is Pat's Pizza shop - what can I get for you?
Kelly: Hi Pat, it's Kelly here. I'll have the usual please: 1 large vegetarian pizza - hold the hot peppers!
Pat: Sounds great, Kelly. Would you like to add anchovies to your order?
Kelly: Haha Pat - that's a good one - and... but ummm... no thanks!!
------- 20 minutes later -------
Pat: Thanks for coming in to pick up your pizza, Kelly. Your total is $24 and I only charged you $4 for the anchovies.
Kelly: Hey Pat - That's strange - I am sure I declined the anchovies. Remember: I am vegetarian. I don't eat anchovies. I don't want anchovies on my pizza and I definitely do NOT wish to pay for them. Can I just get me the usual please at my regular price of $20?
Pat: Sorry Kelly - this is the new way. ALL pizzas get anchovies added for only $4
Kelly: Arrivederci, Pat and good luck with your "new way". I think I'll try Toni's Pizza shop across the road tonight instead.
The Importance of Integrity
The Google slogan that was announced at their IPO said: "Don't Be Evil". This was to be a clarion call from the founders who knew that Google had substantial trajectory ahead and that future management and staff might be tempted to overextend their market dominance. I think they were right, and I also think the current scenario is playing out as a classic case of "Do as I say, not as I do". Integrity in business, as within a person requires that behaviours and practises flow in alignment with what one professes.
I think Google needs to take a look in the mirror. What do YOU think?
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