In a recent submission to the European Commission, Microsoft highlighted Google’s significant advantages in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
According to Reuters, this move comes amid increasing scrutiny by regulators over the competitive dynamics within this rapidly evolving field. Microsoft’s comments were part of a broader consultation initiated by the European Commission in January aimed at assessing the state of competition in the generative AI industry.
Microsoft underscored Google’s unique position in the AI landscape, attributing its competitive edge to its comprehensive integration across various layers of AI technology. From custom AI chips to an extensive mobile app ecosystem, Google’s vertical integration grants it a level of autonomy and strength unmatched by its competitors. This integration, Microsoft argues, places Google in a favorable position, especially with its proprietary AI semiconductors poised to offer a sustained competitive advantage.
Microsoft singles out Google's competitive edge in generative AI https://t.co/hMPw0djYRe pic.twitter.com/CSE6fwmrGA
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 14, 2024
Data and Digital Content: Google’s Double Edge
Moreover, Google’s vast reservoirs of proprietary data, drawn from sources like the Google Search Index and YouTube, furnish its AI models with a rich training ground. Microsoft pointed out that YouTube, with its estimated 14 billion videos, offers a virtually unparalleled content dataset. This exclusive access to extensive digital content further reinforces Google’s lead in training more sophisticated and effective AI models, such as its large language model, Gemini.
Read also: Apple Enhances AI Capabilities with DarwinAI Acquisition, Bloomberg Reports
Additionally, Microsoft drew attention to the potential of AI-powered voice assistants, like Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, to evolve into dominant forces in the generative AI sphere. The integration of these assistants into the broader AI ecosystem could significantly benefit companies like Google and Apple, potentially sidelining new entrants and other competitors. This scenario, Microsoft suggests, could stifle innovation and competition in the generative AI domain.
Google’s Counter
In response to Microsoft’s assertions, Google emphasized its commitment to openness, particularly through its Google Cloud services. The company expressed hope that the Commission’s investigation would highlight the less open practices of other entities, which might be bringing a similar approach to their AI offerings.
Facing scrutiny over its substantial investment in OpenAI, Microsoft defended the role of partnerships and investments in fostering innovation within the AI sector. The tech giant highlighted various start-ups, such as Anthropic, Mistral, and Cohere, which have benefitted from the backing of major tech firms. According to Microsoft, such collaborations are essential for enabling competition and preventing the monopolization of the AI industry.
Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
