Google's $2.7 Billion Gambit: Rehiring AI Pioneer Noam Shazeer
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On Thu, 26 Sept, 12:08 AM UTC
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Google Rehired Noam Shazeer With Major Payout, Assigns Leadership In AI Development: Report - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
Shazeer to lead Google's AI efforts, with focus on Gemini project. Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google has rehired artificial intelligence pioneer Noam Shazeer. Shazeer, known for his work on the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA), left Google in October 2021 to launch the chatbot startup Character.AI, which gained backing from Shazeer-founded firm a16z, TechCrunch reported in August. His return is part of a broader collaboration, as Google signed a non-exclusive agreement with Character.AI to leverage its technology. Also Read: Google Antitrust Challenge Puts Billions In Search Revenue At Stake: Analyst Shazeer and several key employees from Character.AI will take on leading roles at DeepMind. Character.AI's general counsel, Dominic Perella, will temporarily step in as interim CEO of Character.AI. To regain Shazeer's talent, Google reportedly paid around $2.7 billion to license Character.AI's technology and bring Shazeer back to lead its AI efforts. Google acquired stakes from Character investors and employees, with Shazeer receiving a substantial payout, the Wall Street Journal reports. Character.AI, despite boasting over 20 million monthly active users, the startup faced challenges monetizing its services and controlling user behavior. According to reports, Shazeer is now one of three leaders steering Google's development of its latest AI project, Gemini. Needham analyst Laura Martin expects Google's proprietary large language models (LLMs) to drive significant upside over the next 3-5 years. The analyst hailed Google and Amazon.Com Inc AMZN as the most likely beneficiaries of the current arms race to build GenAI tools and capabilities. GOOGL stock has risen 24% in the last 12 months as it integrates AI technology into its Search and other businesses. Price Action: GOOGL stock is up 0.27% at $162.73 at the last check on Wednesday. Also Read: Apple iPhone To Fuel 96% Of 2025 Revenue, Analyst Says: A Safer Bet Than AI-Heavy Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta? Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Photo courtesy: Shutterstock Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
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Google reportedly wrote a $2.7 billion cheque to bring back Character.AI co-founder Noam Shazeer: Here's why
Google has reappointed Noam Shazeer, a key figure in AI known for developing LaMDA. After leaving Google in 2021 to co-found Character.AI, Shazeer reportedly returns as part of a $2.7 billion deal. This move highlights Google's strategy to enhance its AI capabilities through external partnerships.Google has reappointed Noam Shazeer, a prominent figure in artificial intelligence known for developing the Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). Google's parent firm Alphabet Inc paid billions to bring Shazeer on board, reportedly for an ambitous project. However, isn't Shazeer's first stint with Google. He quit the tech giant in October 2021, when he co-founded Character.AI, a chatbot startup that attracted heavy investments, including funding from venture capitalist Andreessen Horowitz. To secure Shazeer's expertise, Google reportedly invested around $2.7 billion to license Character.AI's technology. Google acquired stakes from Character.AI's investors and employees, resulting in a substantial payout for Shazeer, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Shazeer's rehiring comes as part of a broader collaboration between Google and Character.AI. The two companies have signed a non-exclusive agreement to utilize Character.AI's technology, a move that reflects Google's strategy to enhance its AI capabilities through external partnerships. Alongside Shazeer, several other key personnel from Character.AI will assume leadership roles at DeepMind, Google's AI research lab. Dominic Perella, the general counsel of Character.AI, will serve as interim CEO of the startup during this transition. Despite its success, with over 20 million monthly active users, Character.AI has faced difficulties in monetising its services and managing user behavior. These challenges expose the complexities within the AI industry, where user engagement does not necessarily translate into revenue, raising questions about sustainability. Shazeer will reportedly play a pivotal role in leading Google's latest AI initiative, Gemini. He is one of three leaders steering this project, and his experience will be critical in navigating the challenges and expectations surrounding its development. Noam Shazeer's rehire by Google signals a strategic shift in its approach to AI, focusing on collaboration and investment. While this move has the potential to enhance Google's AI capabilities, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Character.AI and the broader implications for the tech industry.
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Google has reportedly rehired Noam Shazeer, co-founder of Character.AI, with a substantial $2.7 billion payout. This move signals Google's aggressive push in AI development and talent acquisition.
Google's Massive Investment in AI Talent
In a bold move that underscores the fierce competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Google has reportedly rehired Noam Shazeer, a renowned AI researcher and co-founder of Character.AI, with an extraordinary compensation package worth $2.7 billion 1. This development marks a significant milestone in Google's ongoing efforts to maintain its position at the forefront of AI innovation.
Shazeer's Return and New Role
Noam Shazeer, who previously worked at Google from 2006 to 2021, has been brought back into the fold with a leadership role in AI development [1]. His return to Google comes after a brief but impactful stint as the co-founder of Character.AI, a startup that gained attention for its advanced conversational AI technology.
The Strategic Importance of the Hire
Google's decision to offer such a substantial package to Shazeer highlights the critical importance of top-tier AI talent in today's tech landscape. The move is seen as part of Google's strategy to bolster its AI capabilities and compete effectively with other tech giants and startups in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence [2].
Impact on the AI Industry
This high-profile rehiring has sent ripples through the AI industry, demonstrating the lengths to which major tech companies are willing to go to secure top talent. It also raises questions about the sustainability of AI startups in the face of aggressive talent acquisition strategies by larger corporations [2].
Character.AI and Its Future
Character.AI, the startup co-founded by Shazeer, has been making waves with its advanced AI chatbots capable of emulating various personalities. The departure of Shazeer from the company he co-founded to rejoin Google raises questions about the future direction of Character.AI and its ability to compete without one of its key founders [2].
Google's AI Ambitions
The substantial investment in bringing Shazeer back to Google is indicative of the company's ambitious plans in the AI space. It suggests that Google is not only looking to enhance its existing AI products but may also be planning to launch new, groundbreaking AI initiatives under Shazeer's leadership [1].
The Competitive Landscape
This move by Google comes at a time when competition in the AI field is intensifying. With companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta all making significant strides in AI development, Google's rehiring of Shazeer can be seen as a strategic maneuver to maintain its competitive edge [1][2].
Implications for the Future of AI
The rehiring of Shazeer with such a significant compensation package sets a new precedent in the AI talent market. It may lead to increased competition for top AI researchers and developers, potentially driving up costs for companies looking to innovate in this space [2].
Google's $2.7 Billion Gambit: The Return of AI Genius Noam Shazeer
Google makes a bold move by spending $2.7 billion to bring back AI pioneer Noam Shazeer, co-founder of Character.AI, in a deal that reshapes the AI landscape and highlights the fierce competition for top talent in the industry.
5 Sources
Google Appoints Former Character.AI Co-Founder as Co-Lead of Gemini AI Models
Google has rehired Noam Shazeer, co-founder of Character.AI, to co-lead its Gemini AI models. This move signifies Google's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities and competing in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
6 Sources
Google Secures Deal with Character.AI Co-Founders Amid AI Industry Shifts
Google has struck a deal with Character.AI co-founders, bringing them back to the tech giant. This move comes as the AI industry faces increased scrutiny and competition.
3 Sources
Character.ai Pivots Strategy After $2.7B Google Deal, Abandons Large Language Model Development
Character.ai, following a $2.7 billion deal with Google that saw its founders depart, is shifting focus from developing large language models to enhancing its consumer products, particularly its popular chatbots.
2 Sources
Google's AI Future: Investor Skepticism Amidst Q2 2024 Earnings Call
Google's Q2 2024 earnings call leaves investors unconvinced about its AI strategy. Despite strong financial performance, questions remain about the company's AI integration and future plans.
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