The competitive pressure between OpenAI and Google is shaping the trajectory of the modern AI landscape, escalating into a direct struggle for market control. An internal memo from Sam Altman, first reported on by The Information, acknowledged this pressure.

The memo noted that OpenAI is bracing for "temporary economic headwinds" due to Google's "excellent work," signaling a major narrowing of the technological gap. This fight is no longer just about research; it is about commercial viability and platform dominance.

This fierce dynamic is escalating the battle for top personnel. Our reporting details aggressive moves, dating back to 2023: OpenAI offered up to $10 million annually to lure elite Google researchers, while Google employed a special stock compensation pool that grants millions in restricted stock vesting in just one year—a strategic financial defense. In the marketplace, OpenAI is now designing features to position ChatGPT as a rival to Google Workspace and Microsoft Office and is developing a web search product to challenge Google's core revenue stream.

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OpenAI vs. Google Timeline

Exclusive Altman Memo Forecasts 'Rough Vibes' Due to Resurgent Google By Stephanie Palazzolo and Erin Woo

Exclusive OpenAI Quietly Designed a Rival to Google Workspace, Microsoft Office By Amir Efrati and Natasha Mascarenhas

Exclusive OpenAI Is Challenging Google—While Using Its Search Data By Amir Efrati, Stephanie Palazzolo and Natasha Mascarenhas

Exclusive OpenAI Develops Web Search Product in Challenge to Google By Aaron Holmes and Amir Efrati

Exclusive Google's Defense Against OpenAI Talent Grab: Special Stock By Jon Victor

Exclusive OpenAI's New Weapon in Talent War With Google: $10 Million Pay Packages for Researchers By Jon Victor

Exclusive Alphabet's Google and DeepMind Pause Grudges, Join Forces to Chase OpenAI By Jon Victor and Amir Efrati

Exclusive OpenAI's Hidden Weapon: Ex-Google Engineers By Jon Victor