Business Insight: Google seeks a sharper focus in AI after Hassabis move
New role for the DeepMind co-founder comes as the competitive frontier in the technology is shifting
Google has irons in more AI fires than any other big tech company. From its own specialist chips and cloud platform to its frontier models and search results, the company has carved out a broad position in AI. But this very breadth has exposed the need for sharper strategic focus.
That is one message from the shake-up in the ranks of its top AI executives this week. Demis Hassabis stepped back from day-to-day management of AI research at the same time that four top AI figures, including veteran engineer Jeff Dean, left for their own AI start-up.