Google, Microsoft top expectations as AI rivalry heats up

GOOGLE parent company Alphabet beat market expectations in the first quarter of 2023 with a net profit of US$15 (RM66) billion, the company said yesterday, in a sign that the search engine behemoth is regaining its footing.

The tech titan has found itself under pressure due to a general slowdown in advertising spending, over-hiring during a Covid-era boom and a major challenge by Microsoft on artificial intelligence.