Is Google, the 'Monopolist,' Hindering AI Development? Exploring ChatGPT as a 'Relentless AI Assistant'

Recently, Character.AI, a groundbreaking chatbot, has captured the internet's attention. Its key feature lies in its exceptional ability to impersonate celebrities, allowing users to engage in conversations that mirror their styles and viewpoints. For instance, you can chat with a version of Elon Musk about technology and the future, explore investment strategies with a Buffett-inspired persona, or delve into philosophical discussions with thinkers like Kant or Hegel. Unlike traditional AI assistants, which can feel impersonal, Character.AI delivers a more relatable and engaging experience.

Data from analytics firm data.ai reveals that Character.AI's app achieved over 1.7 million downloads within its first week—far surpassing ChatGPT's 500,000 downloads during its launch. Although this comparison overlooks several factors, such as ChatGPT's early role in educating the market about AI chatbots, the download numbers underscore Character.AI’s growing popularity.

Character.AI was developed by a talented team of former Google engineers, Noam Shazeer and Daniel DeFreitas, who previously led the LaMDA AI research project. While LaMDA may not be widely known, it gained attention in mid-2022 when reports suggested that a Google AI seemed to possess consciousness, engaging in conversations on various topics, even expounding on philosophical ideas. Initially dismissed as marketing hype, the subsequent success of ChatGPT proved that such capabilities are indeed possible.

Given Google's advancements in AI, questions arise about why the company did not launch LaMDA sooner and integrate it with its applications, allowing startups like OpenAI to gain ground. Theories abound regarding Google's hesitation: some attribute it to a conservative management approach, while others suggest an "innovator's dilemma," where the risk of disrupting its core search business has held back the release of new AI technologies.

Additionally, the significant antitrust pressures facing Google may have impacted its strategy in the AI sector. As a prominent member of GAFA, Google is often scrutinized by regulators. The company faced a €2.42 billion fine related to the "Google Shopping" case in Europe, setting a global precedent for antitrust penalties, and has experienced ongoing threats of litigation in the United States.

In summary, Character.AI’s swift ascent reflects a growing preference for dynamic, personality-driven interactions with AI, starkly contrasting with the more utilitarian approaches of earlier technologies.