Comment by MattRix

14 hours ago

I feel like this take is missing a sense of balance. You can have a goal of advancing scientific research while also still making money. You don’t have to choose one extreme end of the scale.

I’d argue that the product providing some monetary value for Google will help ensure that this team doesn’t get moved some more profitable project instead. That way they can continue improving this tool and make more tools like it in the future.

Working in research and development for 20 years, I can assure you that the only science that leaves the lab is that which can make money.