In the latest episode of the Google AI: Release Notes podcast, host Logan Kilpatrick sat down with CEO Sundar Pichai for an in-depth conversation about the evolution and future of artificial intelligence at Google. Pichai reflected on the company’s strategic shift to an “AI-first” approach, a vision he first introduced in 2016. That early decision laid the foundation for a series of key investments in AI research, infrastructure, and talent, which have now culminated in the current wave of innovation. Pichai provided insight into the development of Google’s latest AI models, including Gemini 3, highlighting the advancements in reasoning, multimodal understanding, and real-time capabilities. He also discussed the launch of the Nano Banana Pro, a new hardware initiative designed to bring powerful AI features to devices at the edge, enabling faster, more private, and more efficient on-device processing. Beyond current products, Pichai shared his enthusiasm for long-term technological frontiers, particularly quantum computing. “I think in about five years we'll be having breathless excitement about quantum, hopefully, like we are having with AI today,” he said, underscoring his belief that quantum technologies could unlock capabilities far beyond what’s possible with classical computing. The conversation also touched on the importance of responsible AI development, the role of collaboration across industries, and Google’s commitment to making AI accessible and beneficial to people around the world. Pichai emphasized that while the pace of progress is rapid, the focus remains on building systems that are safe, reliable, and aligned with human values. The full interview is available to watch on YouTube, or listeners can tune in to the Google AI: Release Notes podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.