wired uk google watching scaled wired uk google watching scaled

Google Turns 25: From Garage Startup to Global Giant

In a remarkable journey spanning 25 years, Google has evolved from a garage startup to a global tech behemoth. Founded in 1999 by Stanford PhD students Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google started as a search engine. Today, it’s a multifaceted empire that has revolutionized how we access information, communicate, and even think. As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, CEO Sundar Pichai believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is the most significant technological development we’ll witness in our lifetimes.

Google’s reach is vast, extending beyond search to include services like Gmail,Google Drive, and Google Calendar. The company has also ventured into hardware with its Pixel devices. But it’s not just about existing products; Google continues to innovate. The introduction of AI tools like Google’s Bard and the recently announced Gemini, a direct competitor to ChatGPT, indicates that the company is set to revolutionize search once again. These generative AI capabilities are being integrated into Google Search, making it smarter and more intuitive.

The impact of Google on the internet is undeniable. It has shaped the way we browse, shop, and interact online. As it turns 25, the company is at a pivotal moment. AI looms large on the horizon, promising to change everything we know about technology and the internet. Google is not just adapting to this change; it’s leading it. Sundar Pichai has affirmed that while search will remain the company’s core, it will continue to push the boundaries of AI.

However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. As Google matures, questions about its future are inevitable. The tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and AI poses both opportunities and threats. Google’s role in this new world is yet to be defined, but if its past is any indication, the company is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven future.

So, what’s next for Google? As it marks its 25th year, the world watches with anticipation. Whether it’s through AI innovations, new products, or further expansions into different sectors, one thing is clear: Google will continue to be a major player in shaping the future of technology. And as it does, it carries with it the weight of its history, the excitement of its present, and the immense potential of its future.