Intro
Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, envisions a future where AI-driven search engines provide answers directly, bypassing the need for traditional web links. In a recent interview, he remarked that Google's core mission is to organize the world’s information, emphasizing that this doesn't necessarily involve providing "blue links." Schmidt's practical outlook suggests a shift towards a web where external websites become redundant and advertising becomes more targeted and effective.
The Debate: Are Answers Without Links Better?
Schmidt's view contrasts with statements from Google’s current CEO and comments by Danny Sullivan, who have both highlighted the ongoing importance of a healthy web ecosystem in conjunction with search technology. Historically, Google’s approach evolved from prioritizing web directories to directly delivering information, reflecting an evolving strategy that now favors displaying direct answers as a superior user experience.
Historical Context and Google’s Evolution
Google once integrated and ranked webpages from curated web directories like DMOZ, which was maintained by volunteers. However, over time, Google shifted away from ranking these directories, citing user experience improvements by providing answers directly instead of links to more links. This change aligns with Google's recent features, such as instant answers for flights, weather, and stock quotes, which do not include outbound links.
AI’s Role in Reshaping User Experience
Schmidt strongly believes that AI is undervalued, with its potential impact on the world being immense. He argues that the capabilities of AI, such as maintaining "infinite context windows," represent a significant leap in how information can be processed and presented, moving beyond human limitations in memory and reasoning.
Implications for the Future of Search
When asked about the potential for AI to eliminate the need for web links in search results, Schmidt stated, "Google is not about blue links, it’s about organizing the world’s information." He expressed confidence that AI would greatly enhance Google's ability to organize information more efficiently, hinting at profitable new avenues for monetization.
While Eric Schmidt no longer holds a position at Google, his insights reflect a possible direction for the future of search, aligning with broader trends in AI development. As the technology advances, the traditional role of links in search engines may diminish, heralding a new era of direct, AI-generated answers to user queries.
