Will part of Google search soon cost money? According to media reports, Google is planning to introduce a paid AI search function.
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As the Financial Times reports, citing company insiders, Google is preparing to introduce a type of premium search. The usual search engine is supplemented by additional AI functions, which should ultimately ensure better results. However, there are no concrete details about the range of functions and the resulting added value yet.
The intended payment model is also unclear. Whether the AI search will be integrated into existing subscription models such as Google One, or whether it can then be booked separately, is just as uncertain as the price quoted for it.
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Although it costs money to use, AI search is not intended to be ad-free. Paying customers will continue to see ads in search results. In the meantime, nothing will change in the classic and free Google search.
The introduction of a premium search is probably intended to recoup the high costs of AI development. An AI subscription called “Gemini Advanced” has been available for a few weeks now, which costs 21.99 euros per month and gives access to the ultra version of the in-house AI functions. We have included a corresponding trailer in the post at the top.