Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently reflected on how OpenAI’s unexpected launch of ChatGPT in 2022 took the tech giant by surprise, despite Google’s established leadership in artificial intelligence. The sudden release by OpenAI shifted the entire industry’s trajectory. Speaking at Salesforce’s annual technology event on Thursday, October 17, Pichai acknowledged that Google was already developing its own AI chatbot but admitted that OpenAI managed to “put it out first.”
When CEO Marc Benioff questioned Pichai about Google's response to OpenAI, a small San Francisco company, overtaking them with the launch of ChatGPT, Pichai explained that Google had already made major advancements in AI products and was developing its own AI chatbot. However, he acknowledged that OpenAI managed to release theirs first. He further mentioned that Google aimed to ensure their version was ready and stable before making it publicly available.
In 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, backed by Microsoft, one of Google’s biggest rivals in AI. According to a report by The New York Times, Google's concern over ChatGPT's rising popularity led to a 'code red' alert, prompting Pichai to instruct various teams within the company to concentrate their efforts and resources on developing commercial AI prototypes and products. Pichai directed multiple teams to urgently focus on developing commercial AI prototypes and products to keep pace with the competition.
Talking with CEO Marc Benioff, Pichai said that when ChatGPT became popular in 2022, Google realised the shift in how fast AI was growing. After OpenAI’s success, Google issued a “code red,” but its chatbot wasn’t ready. Pichai said they could’ve launched months later but didn’t want to compromise on quality. He also highlighted Google’s heavy AI investments and the need for caution due to its bigger reputational risk compared to smaller firms like OpenAI.
Pichai discussed Google's expanding footprint in India, mentioning that the company's new AI hub there represents its biggest investment outside the United States. Approximately 80% of the new data center will utilize clean energy, and it will feature subsea cables to enhance digital connectivity in the area. He also announced that Google intends to release Gemini 3.0, the upcoming version of its AI model, later this year.
