Will tech giants ever let us opt out of AI search features?

Just do what Kagi does.

One older traditional search bar. A 2nd AI chat interface for people who want AI.

I seriously can't believe how simple the solution is, but how much Google refuses to do it. AI search is a totally different product, just make a new tab like Google Images, Google News or Google Finance. Make it Google AI or Google Gemini.

With most of these moments put X into everything is just a moment of temporary insanity with a high dose of FOMO. It eventually settles into a clearer patterns of where it makes sense and makes revenue at margin.

The last point is key though if there’s actually margin to be made we’re stuck with it.

it opens up opportunities for smaller companies that don't want to or cannot afford to venture in AI-search: DuckDuckGo, Brave Search, Mojeek, Qwant etc.

no