Google CEO Sundar Pichai is excited about Apple's Vision Pro, says efficiency drive will continue

In an engaging discussion, Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed his enthusiasm for emerging technologies like Apple's Vision Pro, which promises to enhance immersive computing experiences. Although he has yet to experience the $3,499 headset firsthand, Pichai emphasized that Google has always believed in the evolution of computing beyond traditional devices, referring to smartphones as mere 'black rectangles.' During a recent Q&A session with Bloomberg, Pichai addressed various topics, including the challenges facing Silicon Valley and artificial intelligence. When asked about potential future layoffs, he affirmed that Google is committed to improving its efficiency. Earlier this year, the company laid off 12,000 employees and has begun scaling back its partnerships with outside firms that utilize its extensive contract workforce. Additionally, Google is reassessing its office space, implementing desk-sharing policies, and reducing certain employee perks. Pichai also responded to inquiries regarding Google’s strategy in publishing AI research, especially following OpenAI's rise as a competitor using some of Google's technologies. He acknowledged that as Google integrates AI into its products, it will carefully consider what information remains proprietary. Nonetheless, he reassured that the company intends to continue publishing its research in the AI domain. Historically, Google has ventured into virtual and augmented reality with mixed outcomes. The company first introduced a cardboard VR headset in 2014, designed to be a cost-effective entry point for new VR users. Although Google has launched several VR products, its focus has shifted primarily to augmented reality applications, such as Google Lens, which enables users to search using photographs taken with their devices. Despite the initial excitement surrounding Google Glass, the company eventually curtailed its efforts in the VR headset market, opting instead to concentrate on enterprise solutions. In a notable contrast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently criticized Apple's Vision Pro during a company meeting, labeling it excessively priced and misaligned with Meta's virtual reality vision. As the leader in the VR space with its Quest headsets, Meta's perspective adds another dimension to the ongoing discussions about the future of immersive tech. Lastly, when Pichai was asked about Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's comments that suggested Google's AI initiatives were reactive, he sidestepped the query with a hint of humor, implying that such remarks were meant to provoke a response from him.