The Electricity: Why Google may be trying to make intelligence disappear (manasbihani.substack.com)

In a thought-provoking analysis, the article posits that Google, rather than competing for the title of “smartest AI model,” is strategically reorienting itself to dominate the infrastructure of AI intelligence itself. By giving away its advanced model, Gemini, for free to small startups and incorporating on-device AI capabilities into widely used applications, Google appears to be building a robust ecosystem where its intelligence operates seamlessly within existing user environments—much like electricity flows through a grid. This shift suggests that Google is not merely aiming for the immediate success of individual models but is instead staking its claim on a future where intelligence becomes integrated into everyday technology, making it the backbone of user interactions. The implication of this strategy is significant for the AI/ML community. It raises questions about the very nature of competition in AI, as the race may no longer be about which company develops the most recognizable or powerful model, but about whose infrastructure users rely on without conscious thought. Google's approach could redefine the landscape, prioritizing the long-term ownership of AI technology over short-term accolades and highlighting a potential shift in how companies view and monetize artificial intelligence. With this paradigm, Google may be betting that the future will reward those who create extensive, user-friendly systems over those who simply produce the flashiest AI.