Why is Google Releasing its AI Products Slowly?

Google has built a reputation as an AI leader, pioneering new techniques like neural networks and deep learning. However, when it comes to consumer products, Google seems to be taking a surprisingly slow and cautious approach to releasing its latest AI innovations.

Many experts speculate this graded strategy is aimed at building trust and mitigating risks. Concerns around AI ethics and safety have been mounting, especially after the rapid release of chatbots like ChatGPT. Google appears intent on avoiding similar backlash.

Google’s gradual unveiling of AI conversational bots like Bard and Apprentice seems designed to slowly acclimate consumers. Impressing users with initial demos, then incrementally rolling out capabilities reduces chance of overpromising. Google likely hopes for more patience and constructive feedback.

Google may also be treading carefully due to AI’s potential to negatively impact its ad business. Overly capable bots could reduce Google Search traffic and clicks. Phasing in AI products gives time to develop complementary capabilities.

Government scrutiny of Big Tech’s AI practices is also intensifying. Taking a measured approach could help Google gather regulator feedback and assure appropriate guardrails are in place pre-launch.

Finally, Google has a reputation to uphold. By setting expectations low initially, impressively advanced AI can later seem like huge leaps forward. The contrast highlights Google’s technical wizardry.

Gradual AI deployment may frustrate some impatient technophiles. But Google likely sees it as prudent given the technology’s disruptive potential. For better or worse, Google appears content with slow and steady when it comes to AI product releases.