> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://birchtree.me/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# WTF Was that Google Event?
- URL: https://birchtree.me/blog/wtf-was-that-google-event/
- Published: 2023-02-11T12:45:46.000Z
- Updated: 2023-02-11T12:45:46.000Z
- Author: Matt Birchler
- Tags: Links, #Import 2023-06-01 22:41, #Import 2025-03-29 19:29

[Benj Edwards: In Paris Demo, Google Scrambles to Counter ChatGPT but Ends Up Embarrassing Itself](https://arstechnica.com/?p=1915978&ref=birchtree.me)

> On Wednesday, Google held a [highly anticipated press conference](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8/23589886/google-search-maps-translate-features-updates-live-from-paris-event?ref=birchtree.me) from Paris that did not deliver the decisive move against [ChatGPT](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/openai-invites-everyone-to-test-new-ai-powered-chatbot-with-amusing-results/?ref=birchtree.me) and the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership that many pundits [expected](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/02/it-sounds-like-google-will-unveil-its-chatgpt-clone-february-8/?ref=birchtree.me). Instead, Google ran through a collection of previously announced technologies in a low-key presentation that included losing a demonstration phone.

I watched Google's event earlier this week and felt like I'd stepped into a fever dream. It was absolutely abysmal, with the low point being when a presenter said something like "and now let's do a live demo" only to hear someone tell them on a hot mic that they don't know where the phone is.

The Google Maps segment was fantastic, but even as a fan of Google, this was the biggest thud of an event I've seen in ages.