Google CEO Sundar Pichai outlined a vision for 2025, emphasizing consumer-focused AI and rapid development of agentic apps. This shift signals a departure from the traditional search box as users’ point of contact with Google.
Pichai highlighted several key areas, including Project Mariner, a Chrome AI extension that can provide users with information like restaurant lists on TripAdvisor. He also mentioned Gemini, which is experiencing growth and will be scaled up in 2025 to become a more prominent interface for consumers.
The CEO emphasized solving real-world problems and building big, new business opportunities using AI. However, he did not mention ChatGPT becoming synonymous with AI, contrary to reports that suggested otherwise.
Pichai’s focus on Gemini and Project Astra, a universal assistant code-named Universal Assistant, indicates a shift towards multimodal AI and a departure from traditional search methods. This means publishers and SEOs need to adapt their strategies to prioritize these new approaches.
In 2025, Google is likely to focus on increasing user adoption of the Gemini app, which could lead to a reduction in interactions with the search box. The Universal Assistant project aims to seamlessly operate across any domain, modality, or device, further disrupting traditional search methods.
As publishers and SEOs enter 2025, they must consider the implications of Google’s AI-focused strategy on their business models and content creation strategies. With Gemini and Project Astra leading the way, it’s essential to rethink what “search” means in a multimodal context.
Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-ceo-describes-a-2025-beyond-a-search-box/536421