Google I/O Event Expectations Run High Amid OpenAI, Microsoft Rivalry

Expectations run high ahead of Alphabet's Google I/O conference for software developers today, with analysts anticipating a slew of artificial intelligence announcements. Google stock has climbed 20% in 2024 heading into the annual event.

Google typically makes Pixel mobile phone or Android software news at the developer's event. But generative AI and the Gemini foundation training model will be in the spotlight this year.

Google Stock: AI News

There's speculation that Google's "Search Generative Experience," or SGE, will officially launch at the event. Google's SGE integrates generative AI models.

"We expect I/O to be packed with AI related announcements and deeper integration of Gemini into the Google app ecosystem," said Bank of America analyst Justin Post in a report.

He added: "Google could use I/O to demonstrate growing availability of SGE in search results and new mobile capabilities enabled by Gemini. The event could include additional demonstrations of successful advertising integrations in SGE results."

On the stock market today, Google stock rose 0.7% to close at 170.34 following the I/O conference.

Google, OpenAI In Apple Licensing Talks

Google is among AI stocks to watch. Generative AI leader OpenAI, a Google rival, on Monday unveiled GPT-4o, an improved AI model that's much better at handling text, audio and images in real-time.

Also, much of the OpenAI's demonstration used a specialized, custom iPhone to lower latency of real time chatbot interaction.

There's speculation Apple will license OpenAI's technology for new iPhones. In addition, Apple is in talks with Google over licensing Gemini technology, say reports.

At UBS, analyst Stephen Ju said in a report: "Heading into I/O 2024, we expect it to be focused on GenAI productization across Google's consumer apps, but the most consequential potential catalyst could be the announcement of a partnership deal for Gemini to power Apple's in-house apps on iPhones and other devices."

Further, Microsoft is the biggest investor in OpenAI.

In terms of Google I/O announcements, BofA's Post said: "We think personal mobile assistants could be a differentiating AI driven feature in new phones. Google could announce a more personal version of Google digital assistant integrated with Gemini, called 'Pixie'." The new Gen-AI-powered assistant is expected to have multimodal capabilities such as the ability to take pictures of objects to learn how to use them or get directions to a place to buy them."

Google Stock Technical Ratings

Meanwhile, Google has been testing the economics of SGE responses vs. computing costs associated with its traditional search engine.

Further, Google stock holds an entry point of 153.78. Meanwhile, GOOGL stock is extended and trades above a 5% buy zone.

Follow Reinhardt Krause on Twitter @reinhardtk_tech for updates on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing.