AI Engines

The dust may be settling on the accusations of Google's search engine monopoly, but a new battle is already brewing, this time in the realm of AI engines. Once again, Apple stands at the center, facing the same questions of power and control. Will they become the gatekeeper of AI, nudging users towards their new version of Siri, or will they open their doors to a diverse ecosystem of AI engines?

The stakes are undeniably high. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has become the target of jokes and sarcastic comments when it comes to voice assistants. It’s clear how Apple desperately needs a win in the AI arena, but repeating the mistakes of the past – favoring their own product over others – could be disastrous. The last thing they need is another lawsuit about not providing users with choice screens.

Meanwhile, OpenAI's upcoming ChatGPT v5 is promised to be exceptional. As rumors have pointed out, this new version of ChatGPT could become a search engine in its own right, or even come with its own browser, potentially bypassing any defaults altogether. Recent regulations forcing Apple to offer choice screens for browsers may indicate how search engines will face similar requirements, further complicating the situation for Apple and Google.

Suppose users are asked to choose between one default for their AI queries; chances are most people will go with the option of ChatGPT, especially if version 5 is going to be as good as many think it will. That would not be in Apple’s favor, and they clearly don’t want this to happen. The question is what Apple plans to do about it when push comes to shove.

One thing is clear though: Apple and Google, with their strong and steady ecosystems, essentially hold the key to making these AI engines available and, more importantly, accessible to the masses. But will they play fair this time? Will they prioritize user choice and innovation, or will they succumb to the temptation of control, bending the rules to maintain their dominance?

The answer will shape the future of AI, impacting how we interact with information and technology. Will we be presented with a diverse range of options, each offering unique strengths and perspectives? Or will we be confined to a walled garden, limited by the choices of Apple and Google?

Only time will tell if Apple has learned its lesson from the past or if they simply see it as an excercise to train their legal team in order to manipulate the system better in the near future. Their actions will determine whether the AI revolution empowers users or further entrenches their power.