At Google I/O, Sergey Brin makes surprise appearance — and declares Google will build the first AGI

While Brin framed AGI as an imminent milestone and competitive objective, Hassabis called for clarity, restraint, and scientific precision. “Just after,” Hassabis countered with a smile, prompting Brin to joke that Hassabis was “sandbagging.”This five-second exchange encapsulates the subtle but significant tension in Google’s AGI strategy. While both men clearly believe powerful AI systems are coming this decade, their different timelines reflect fundamentally different approaches to the technology’s development. OpenAI vs. Google vs. Meta: Inside Silicon Valley’s high-stakes race to AGI dominanceBrin’s declaration during his Google I/O appearance marks a seismic shift in the AGI race. Brin’s statement does exactly that, serving as both a rallying cry for Google’s AI talent and a shot across the bow to competitors.