Google's Gemini AI assistant may eventually feature native ads, according to CEO Sundar Pichai. During an investor call, Pichai revealed that the company has "very good ideas" for incorporating ads into the platform, although no concrete timeline has been set.

Currently, users can access Gemini for free or opt for a subscription to unlock advanced features. While ads are not present in the assistant today, Pichai's statement suggests that they could become a part of the product in the future. The CEO emphasized that Google's primary focus remains on delivering a seamless user experience, but the company is committed to exploring monetization opportunities.

Pichai's comments were in response to a Wells Fargo analyst's inquiry about the potential for an "ad component" in Gemini. The CEO's response hinted that ads could be introduced in a way that complements the user experience, much like Google's approach with YouTube. However, Pichai clarified that the company's focus for this year will be on the subscription direction.

This development is not entirely surprising, given Google's reliance on advertising as a core aspect of its business. The company has already incorporated ads into its AI Overviews feature, and it's likely that Gemini will follow a similar path. Google's plans to spend $75 billion on capital expenditures this year to stay competitive in the AI race further underscore the importance of exploring new revenue streams.

While the introduction of ads to Gemini may raise concerns about user experience, Pichai's emphasis on leading with user-centric design suggests that Google will aim to strike a balance between monetization and usability. As the company continues to develop its AI assistant, it will be interesting to see how it chooses to implement ads and what impact this will have on the overall user experience.

For now, users can rest assured that ads will not be appearing in Gemini at least through this year. However, as Google continues to evolve its AI strategy, it's likely that ads will become a part of the Gemini ecosystem in the future.