Google is looking to charge for some AI features
According to a report by the Financial Times (FT), Google is contemplating the placement of certain generative AI-powered features behind a paywall.
According to the Financial Times (FT), three anonymous sources familiar with the situation revealed that Google is considering integrating certain AI-driven search features into its subscription offerings.
A spokesperson for the company told Sky News: “We’re not working on or considering an ad-free search experience. As we’ve done many times before, we’ll continue to build new premium capabilities and services to enhance our subscription offerings across Google.” They added: “We don’t have anything to announce right now.”
In February, Google introduced subscriptions to Gemini Advanced, offering access to an enhanced AI model and providing users with two terabytes of cloud storage (typically priced at $9.99 per month). Additionally, the Google One AI Premium plan grants access to Gemini within Gmail and Google Workspace.
The FT noted that although engineers are actively developing the necessary technology for the subscription service, a final decision regarding its launch remains pending.
Furthermore, the newspaper clarified that Google’s search engine would remain free for all users, with advertisements accompanying search results.
Kerry is a Content Creator at www.systemtek.co.uk she has spent many years working in IT support, her main interests are computing, networking and AI.