Google's Gemini Surpasses ChatGPT in AI Chatbot Default Usage - GOOGL

[Para 1: The Lead] Google's Gemini has surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT in becoming the default AI chatbot for users, according to market analysis and user behavior trends. As of January 29, 2026, Gemini is ranked No. 1 on LMArena's Text Arena leaderboard, with over 5.1 million total votes, indicating a shift in user preference towards Google's model for everyday interactions. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Alphabet reported a significant increase in Gemini's monthly active users to over 650 million, with queries increasing by 3x from the previous quarter. The company is treating Gemini as a multi-faceted product, integrating it into its ecosystem, including Chrome, Android, and enterprise solutions. Google's strategy is to make Gemini a default layer across its services, aiming to make AI interaction as seamless as using the internet itself. This move is part of Alphabet's broader strategy to extend its empire, leveraging its existing infrastructure and financial strength to subsidize AI at scale without compromising its core business.