Being the first: the AI gold rush
If we look at all this AI mania, we cannot hide the fact that Big Tech are investing billions to be the first to develop an intelligence that can be used everywhere.
Cost is not a big deal for them; the most important thing is to reach their goal. Just as Microsoft did with the PC, Google did with search engines, and finally, as Apple did with smartphones and their ecosystem.
These are only a few examples in the tech industry.
Being the first puts you in a dominant position and gives you the opportunity to cover all your previous expenses. In the end, it's all about money.