Summary:
Google acquires Character.AI's large language model technology and a non-exclusive license to it.
Character.AI co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas rejoin Google.
This deal echoes similar acquisitions by Microsoft and Amazon, attracting regulatory scrutiny.
Character.AI receives additional funding from Google, and Dominic Perella becomes interim CEO.
The deal underscores the fierce competition for AI talent and technology, with tech giants actively acquiring startups and top researchers.
Google Acquires Character.AI's Technology and Top Talent
In a move that reflects the heated competition in the AI space, Google has signed a licensing deal with the chatbot startup Character.AI, gaining access to their powerful large language model technology. This deal also sees the return of Character.AI co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas to Google, where they previously worked.
This acquisition follows similar moves by Microsoft and Amazon, who have also been actively acquiring AI startups and talent in recent months. These deals have attracted regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about the concentration of AI power in the hands of tech giants.
Character.AI will receive further funding as part of the agreement with Google, though the exact amount has not been disclosed. Dominic Perella, Character.AI's general counsel, will become the interim CEO.
This deal underscores the fierce competition for AI talent and technology. Google's acquisition of Character.AI's technology and top researchers strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Other Recent AI Acquisitions:
- Microsoft acquired Inflection for $650 million in March.
- Amazon hired several key employees from Adept in June.
These acquisitions highlight the growing importance of AI in various industries and the ongoing race among tech giants to secure the best resources to advance their AI capabilities.
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