In a letter marking Google’s 25th birthday, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, reflects on the company’s journey and technological advancements over the past quarter-century. Pichai emphasizes how technology has evolved drastically in this time, citing his early experiences with email compared to his son’s seamless communication through pictures and messages. This generational shift in technology use inspires hope for the future and highlights the rapid pace of change.
Pichai recounts Google’s origins, rooted in the mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. He acknowledges the transformative impact of Google Search and the subsequent expansion into numerous products and services, each driven by fundamental questions. Additionally, Pichai discusses the company’s enduring commitment to innovation and its journey into artificial intelligence (AI), leading to remarkable breakthroughs and new product developments. He emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development and envisions AI as the next major technological shift that will continue to improve lives on a larger scale.
Looking ahead, Pichai expresses excitement about the possibilities AI holds, from education to clean energy and disaster preparedness, and encourages bold, responsible action to address significant global challenges. He concludes the letter with a vision for Google’s role in shaping the future of technology and expresses the desire to inspire future generations to build upon the company’s legacy.
