Gemini says no ads — while ChatGPT starts cashing in (www.techradar.com)

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis announced that there are currently no plans to introduce ads into the company’s Gemini AI assistant, emphasizing a commitment to building trust through an ad-free experience. This move comes in stark contrast to OpenAI, which has begun testing advertisements in the free and low-cost versions of its ChatGPT service. Hassabis indicated that Google's focus remains on enhancing the core technology and user experience of Gemini, positioning it as a truly unbiased and reliable assistant. This decision is significant as it highlights a potential divergence in the monetization strategies for AI assistants. While OpenAI may feel pressured to generate revenue quickly due to its lack of other income streams, Google can afford to take a longer-term view thanks to its extensive existing ad revenues from Search, YouTube, and other platforms. Hassabis suggested that integrating ads could be feasible in the future, but only if it does not compromise user trust. For now, Google aims to establish Gemini as a user-centric assistant, prioritizing consumer experience over immediate monetization.