Samsung Halts Plan to Replace Google Search with Bing Search

We recently reported that Samsung was contemplating replacing Google Search with Microsoft's Bing Search in order to capitalize on the latter's infusion of AI smarts through the integration of ChatGPT. Well, it looks like Google can take a breather as the South Korean giant has put a halt on its plan to switch, for now.

Samsung's Decision to Halt the Plan

Samsung has decided not to pursue the idea of replacing Google with Microsoft's Bing as the default search engine on its mobile devices, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Concerns about Market Reaction and Relationship with Google

The company has chosen to halt internal discussions regarding this potential switch due to concerns about the market's response. Additionally, Samsung was uncertain about the potential impact such a switch could have on its future relationship with Google.

Google's Introduction of Bard and Generative AI

Google's recent introduction of Bard, its own generative AI, into its search engine could've also played a role in Samsung's decision to pause the plan. With Google incorporating its own AI capabilities into its search engine, there might be less urgency for Samsung to switch to a new search provider like Bing.

The idea of ensuring Google remains the dominant search engine on phones has raised concerns in the past. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an antitrust investigation into Google's agreements with smartphone manufacturers.

It was revealed that Google paid Apple billions of dollars to maintain its position as the primary search engine on iOS devices. While Samsung's payment from Google is substantial, it is not on the same scale as Apple's.

Samsung's Ongoing Concerns With Google

Although Samsung has decided to keep Google as its default search engine for now, the company still has concerns about its heavy reliance on Google's software. Samsung is interested in diversifying its phone software and exploring new offerings to reduce its dependence on a single provider.

Samsung's Ban on AI Tools

Samsung's interest in generative AI is not new. The company recently issued a memo to its employees banning the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Bard. This decision came after an engineer accidentally submitted sensitive company source code to the AI chatbot. The ban applies to both company devices and personal devices if sensitive documents are present.

Google's Focus on AI in the AI Wars

The competition in the field of AI has intensified due to the emergence of technologies like ChatGPT. To stay ahead in what is being referred to as the AI Wars, Google is actively prioritizing AI development. This focus on AI was clearly demonstrated at the annual Google I/O event, where the company showcased its impressive AI capabilities. Throughout the presentation, AI took center stage, to the extent that a video was made compiling Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, saying "AI" over 140 times during the two-hour event.

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