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IMO Google is unbeatable as long as nothing changes, if you really have to recreate Google as it is today, it will cost too much and you will never make it. Bu

IMO Google is unbeatable as long as nothing changes, if you really have to recreate Google as it is today, it will cost too much and you will never make it. But if there are technological shifts that invalidate the investment Google has made, then there is a chance. I think you're spot on about why Google is investing in the Assistant, but I think you underestimate the threat from Alexa. If Alexa gets a foot hold and manages to use the fact that you're having a dialog to deliver commercial queries better, Google is in a lot of trouble. Vertical-specific commerce sites are also a threat, if you no longer search Google for insurance, but go directly to an insurance aggregator, Google's search tech is irrelevant to capturing that advertising revenue. I think Craigslist is undergoing this problem since they've basically refused to invest in better UX, vertical specific sites are eating their lunch.

jjeaff 9y ago
I just don't see Alexa making huge inroads for shipping. It will be/is great for recurring purchases of stuff you already buy on Amazon, but people were already going directly to Amazon for that. But using a voice system to buy new stuff just isn't a good experience. It's like the old days of catalog shopping with a phone except there's no catalog. People need to pull up and see, look at reviews, watch YouTube review videos. Audio only just doesn't do that and is a step backwards. I don't even use Alexa for reorders because I want to make sure I'm still getting a good deal everytime I order. And for those that don't care about the deal, they can just setup subscription purchasing.
- sjg007 9y ago
  Dunno... "Alexa I need toilet paper", "Alexa I need avocado toast".. pretty simple..
- Eridrus 9y ago
  Some people need that, sure. I think Amazon may have a trust problem, but I've brought products based entirely on the Wirecutter/sweethome reviews, and I can easily imagine talking to their bot about what microwave they recommend. None of this works well now, but if Amazon builds a hardware moat, Google may not have a chance to compete with better software.

jjeaff 9y ago

I just don't see Alexa making huge inroads for shipping. It will be/is great for recurring purchases of stuff you already buy on Amazon, but people were already going directly to Amazon for that. But using a voice system to buy new stuff just isn't a good experience. It's like the old days of catalog shopping with a phone except there's no catalog. People need to pull up and see, look at reviews, watch YouTube review videos. Audio only just doesn't do that and is a step backwards. I don't even use Alexa for reorders because I want to make sure I'm still getting a good deal everytime I order. And for those that don't care about the deal, they can just setup subscription purchasing.

sjg007 9y ago
Dunno... "Alexa I need toilet paper", "Alexa I need avocado toast".. pretty simple..
Eridrus 9y ago
Some people need that, sure. I think Amazon may have a trust problem, but I've brought products based entirely on the Wirecutter/sweethome reviews, and I can easily imagine talking to their bot about what microwave they recommend. None of this works well now, but if Amazon builds a hardware moat, Google may not have a chance to compete with better software.