Google search is about to get a lot smarter - CNET

How important is artificial intelligence to Google's future? Hint: The search giant is promoting its head of AI to take over its biggest business.

Google on Wednesday said AI chief John Giannandrea will take over search responsibilities when current search boss Amit Singhal retires at the end of the month. That move signals profound changes for how we find things online.

Many believe AI will deliver some of the biggest breakthroughs in computing technology over the next few years. The goal of AI is to create systems that understand their environment and even handle everyday tasks, from recognizing speech and handwriting, preventing online fraud and replying to emails to developing self-piloting cars. Google, already deep in AI research, looks set to further apply the technology to the one product we all touch every day.

"Search has transformed people's lives; over a billion people rely on us," wrote Singhal in a post on Google+. "Search is stronger than ever, and will only get better in the hands of an outstanding set of senior leaders who are already running the show day-to-day."

Google, a unit of parent company Alphabet, confirmed Giannandrea's new role but declined further comment.