Streets Ahead: OpenAI ‘Code Red’, Google Maps & Gemini, Review Extortion
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses Google and OpenAI escalating the AI platform race as Gemini outperforms GPT-5, Google Maps gaining new Gemini features, and Google responding to rising review extortion.
Gemini’s Lead Triggers OpenAI ‘Code Red’
The News OpenAI has been shipping new ChatGPT features at a steady clip, but on core model performance the company is under pressure. Reporting from The Wall Street Journal and The Information shows Gemini 3 outperforming GPT-5 in head-to-head benchmarks, prompting CEO Sam Altman to declare an internal “code red.” The focus: sharper personalization, faster performance, and broader domain coverage.
The initiative has led OpenAI to postpone the launch of ChatGPT ads and delay AI agents built for shopping and healthcare.
Even so, OpenAI retains a commanding lead. ChatGPT controls 70% of the LLM-assistant market and, according to its head Nick Turley, represents roughly 10% of all search activity, supported by an estimated 800 million weekly active users.
Why This Matters The contest for AI platform dominance has effectively become a two-horse race between OpenAI and Google. OpenAI once defined the cutting edge for LLM chatbots, but Google has now closed the gap in core model performance.
What comes next will be even more consequential: a battle to build the most compelling features and the most usable, habit-forming interfaces. The rivalry is nowhere near its peak.
New Google Maps Tools Powered by Gemini
The News Google is making visible changes to its local search interfaces. The familiar “More places” button under the 3-Pack, which historically opened the Local Finder, now routes users to a redesigned Places tab. The layout includes prominent filtering options aimed at simplifying discovery. As Barry Schwartz reports, the new tab has an apparent bug: clicking to load more results at the bottom currently leads to a dead end.
Meanwhile, Google is rolling out new Gemini integrations inside Google Maps, enabling conversational queries for navigation, weather, and business recommendations. According to Google’s documentation, Gemini now supports:
Search
- Route-based searches
- Local discovery near you or your destination
- “Find me a cafe near my destination that serves tiramisu.”
- Query refinement and stop additions
Place Answers
- Details on destinations and search results
- “What’s the most popular dish on the menu?”
- Specific place and landmark information
- “When does {Place Name} close?”
Why This Matters The updated Places tab, visible on both desktop and mobile, introduces streamlined filters like “open now,” “cheap,” “upscale,” and “accepts reservations,” making it easier for users to narrow their choices. Gemini’s integration into Google Maps further encourages recommendation requests grounded in precise needs and preferences.
For businesses, this raises the stakes: differentiators must be stated explicitly in Google profiles, local pages, and any surface where consumers evaluate options.
Google Responds to Rising Review Extortion Attempt
The News A growing problem for local businesses is the rise of bad actors who post negative reviews and then demand payment for their removal. This form of review extortion isn’t new, but generative AI has accelerated its scale and frequency.
In response, Google has introduced a new Merchant Extortion Report Form, enabling businesses to report extortion attempts and submit supporting evidence such as email screenshots. The goal is to streamline reporting and prompt faster action from Google.
Why This Matters Google cautions businesses not to pay extortion demands and to report incidents quickly, supported by evidence such as screenshots of fake reviews and payment requests. Multi-location brands may be less common targets, but exceptions happen and knowing the proper reporting workflow is key.
Fake reviews unrelated to extortion should be routed through Google’s standard inappropriate-content reporting process.
