Monday, December 23, 2024

Made By Google Event Leads Jefferies To Call Alphabet ‘Top Pick’ for Consumer AI

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Key Takeaways

  • Alphabet’s Google unveiled its Pixel 9 lineup and showcased how it’s integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its devices with Gemini at its Made By Google event Tuesday.
  • Jefferies analysts called Alphabet a “top pick” for consumer AI following the event, saying Gemini integration gives the company a chance to grow its share of the smartphone market.
  • Google announced its AI-integrated devices ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 launch expected in September.

After Google unveiled its Pixel 9 lineup and showcased how it’s integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its devices with Gemini at its Made By Google launch event Tuesday, Jefferies analysts called Alphabet (GOOGL) a “gem made for AI.”

The analysts named Alphabet a “top pick” for consumer AI, alongside Meta (META), which has benefited from early AI gains, as pressure mounts for Apple (AAPL) to deliver its highly anticipated iPhone 16 supercharged with AI features.

Google’s AI Integration Takes Center Stage

The analysts said that while Google unveiled several new products, including the Pixel 9 lineup, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2, ” it was Gemini’s infusion into devices that took center stage.”

Google began rolling out Gemini Live, its AI assistant in English, to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android phones and plans to expand to Apple’s iOS and other languages.

While Google could face “an uphill battle” in capturing market share in the smartphone and device space, the Gemini integration offers “an opportunity to narrow the gap,” Jefferies analysts wrote.

Rollout Could Help Google Compete in AI Race

Google’s new devices with AI integration and Gemini Live could help bolster the company’s position as big tech companies compete to stake their claim in the consumer AI race.

With Gemini Live and new devices, Google could better compete with Apple as the company gears up for the upcoming iPhone 16 launch.

Apple is expected to release its next-generation iPhone in September, with Apple Intelligence updates to follow, as anticipation around the iPhone maker’s AI opportunity builds.

Alphabet shares were down 3.2% at $158.99 in afternoon trading Wednesday. The stock has gained nearly 14% since the start of the year.

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