AI firm Perplexity has shocked the tech world with a $34.5 billion cash bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. Google hasn’t put Chrome on the market, but Perplexity claims it wishes to leverage the browser’s huge user base and become a major player in the AI search game.
Why Perplexity Wants Chrome
Perplexity, which is led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, has a browser of its own that’s an AI browser named Comet. Chrome, however, has a much broader reach with more than three billion users globally. Acquiring Chrome would grant the startup immediate access to that number and additional data for its AI applications.
Perplexity states it would:
- Maintain Chrome’s core code, Chromium, open for use by the public.
- Invest $3 billion in Chrome within two years.
- Maintain the default search engine as it is.
The firm has already raised around $1 billion and is worth $14 billion. It says that outside investors are prepared to fund the whole deal, but declined to mention their names.
Google’s Position and Legal Backdrop
Google has refused to sell. It is also in the process of appealing last year’s U.S. court ruling that it maintained an unlawful monopoly over search. As part of that, officials have indicated that the sale of Chrome might be one solution to the issue.
Industry analysts believe Google is extremely unlikely to sell. Chrome is central to its AI-based updates to search, such as new features like AI-created answers.
A Battle Larger Than Browsers and AI
Web browsers are gaining relevance once more as individuals rely on AI assistants such as Perplexity and ChatGPT for answers. Whoever owns a browser owns an entryway to user searches and web habits, information that powers improved AI products.
Perplexity’s proposal follows stories that OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management also considered for Chrome. Perplexity earlier this year generated headlines after making a proposal to consolidate with TikTok’s U.S. business.
FAQs
1. Did Google sell Chrome?
No. Google has not sold Chrome.
2. How much is Perplexity bidding?
Perplexity is bidding $34.5 billion in cash for chrome.
3. Will the default search on Chrome change?
Perplexity indicates it will not change.
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