Google re-hires AI expert Noam Shazeer for $2.7B, acquiring non-exclusive rights to Character.AI tech for Gemini project.

Google has re-engaged AI expert Noam Shazeer, paying approximately $2.7 billion to rehire him after he founded chatbot startup Character.AI. This move includes a non-exclusive licensing agreement allowing Google to use Character.AI's technology. Shazeer, a pivotal figure in AI development, is now leading the creation of Google's latest AI project, Gemini. The deal highlights fierce competition for AI talent, prompting concerns about overspending in the industry.