How Gemini 3 Positions Google Ahead of OpenAI in the Global AI Competition

in the world of technology Anything can happen in just one year. If we go back to the beginning of 2024, the situation at Alphabet (Google's parent company) didn't seem good in the eyes of Wall Street investors. Many labeled the giant as “awkward” and “couldn't keep up” with the Generative AI trend led by OpenAI and Microsoft, resulting in the stock price being heavily penalized.

But the picture cuts to the beginning of 2026. Everything has turned upside down. Google doesn't just delete insults. but has also proudly risen to be the leader in the “Magnificent Seven” group. Away from competitors who had been ahead for many periods. What was the important turning point and why did “Gemini 3” become an important piece that changed the game? Let's delve deeper into this article.

Confidence that comes with numbers, results from Gemini 3

In announcing his latest quarterly results, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai expressed unprecedented confidence. The main reason is due to the success of Gemini 3 The latest and most powerful AI model ever.

• Users surge: The Gemini app has surpassed 750 million monthly active users (MAU), up from 650 million in the previous quarter. While still lagging behind ChatGPT (with over 800 million weekly active users), Google's direction is clearly and rapidly upward.
• Deeper Engagement: Pichai emphasizes that users don't just try it and leave, but Gemini 3 has significantly higher engagement values ​​per user. Especially when combined with “AI Mode” in the Search system and the Enterprise version, which now has up to 8 million paid licenses.

When the Cloud becomes a money-making machine

The number that stunned Wall Street the most was unit revenue. Cloud-Computing That shot up 48% in the December quarter. This is proof that massive investments in AI infrastructure are starting to pay off in real financial returns, not just a marketing buzz.

Investment budget of 185 billion dollars The stakes are high but are they worth it?

Even though the stock price has dropped slightly (about 3%) after announcing a budget spending plan (Capex) that could reach $185 billion this year. That's nearly twice as many as in 2025 and far ahead of competitors like Microsoft, Meta and Amazon.

But analysts view this as a smart “all-in” move because while other competitors still rely on outside partners, Alphabet has a complete ecosystem, from processor chips, AI models, and access to billions of consumers.

OpenAI's Weaknesses and Google's Advantages

What is most interesting now is that the market's “attitude” towards OpenAI is beginning to change. Previously, the announcement of the OpenAI deal was met with applause. But now it has become a concern.

• Over-reliance: Microsoft and Oracle are facing pressure from investors. This is because the company's momentum is too tied to OpenAI, when OpenAI is still burning money and needs massive funding to keep its promises. Investors therefore began to fear risk.
• Superior War Chest: While others rely on OpenAI, giants like Meta and Apple have chosen to partner with Alphabet to use Google's AI infrastructure and models. This makes Alphabet's position significantly more solid.

Google returns to the throne

From Laggard to Leader among technology companies with market capitalizations exceeding $4 trillion (joining Nvidia and Apple), Alphabet has proven that Having ready resources and the right timing for attacking Can turn a crisis into a golden opportunity.

In 2026, we will probably see more intense competition. But at this moment I must admit that “Google holds the hot hand” Or is he already the one who holds the upper hand on the world AI board?

Source: Reuter