A young artificial intelligence company called Perplexity AI has surprised the tech world by offering $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome. This is surprising on two counts: one, Chrome is not being sold off, and two, Perplexity itself is valued at about 14 billion dollars, which is far lower than the price they quoted!
Perplexity’s Reason For Choosing Chrome
Chrome is the most popular web browser, with over 3 billion users worldwide. Owning it would give Perplexity access to huge amounts of search traffic and user data. For AI companies, this kind of data is extremely valuable. It helps them improve their AI systems by showing how people search, browse, and interact online.
Perplexity already has its own AI browser, Comet, but getting Chrome would instantly make it a big rival to tech giants like Google and OpenAI.
Why Now?
Google is under legal pressure in the United States. Last year, a court ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly in online search. The US Department of Justice suggested Google might have to sell Chrome as a solution.
While Google had said that, it will fight the ruling and has no plans to sell Chrome. Still, Perplexity wants to be ready if the court forces a sale.
What Perplexity Promises on Buying the Chrome?
If it takes over Chrome, Perplexity says it will:
- Keep Chrome’s code (Chromium) free and open for everyone.
- Invest $3 billion over two years to make Chrome better.
- Keep the default search engine the same.
- Avoid making any hidden or sneaky changes.
- Hire many of Chrome’s current employees.
These promises aim to reassure users that Chrome will remain familiar and trusted.
Who Else Wants Chrome?
Other possible buyers include OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management. The CEO of DuckDuckGo believes Chrome is worth at least $50 billion, which is much more than Perplexity’s bid.
Know More About Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI was founded in 2022 in the United States by Aravind Srinivas, along with co-founders Johnny Ho, Denis Yarats, and Andy Konwinski.
- Aravind Srinivas is the CEO and a former researcher at OpenAI.
- The company is privately owned and backed by big investors like Nvidia, SoftBank, and Elad Gil.
- It has raised about $1 billion so far.
- Perplexity’s mission is to make search faster and more accurate using AI.
- The company is known for bold moves; it even tried to merge with TikTok’s US business in the past.
- Recently, it partnered with Airtel in India to give free access to its premium AI search service.
Will It Happen?
For now, the deal seems unlikely. Chrome is a key part of Google’s AI future, so it won’t sell unless forced by the court. And if that happens, legal battles could drag on for years.
In Short
Browsers and the data Chrome collects are becoming very important in the AI race. Perplexity’s offer shows just how valuable they are. Even if the deal doesn’t happen, it’s a clear sign that smaller AI companies are ready to take on the tech giants, even if the deal might sound fantastical!
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Related: Perplexity Vs. ChatGPT: Which of the Tools Is Better?