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AI Firm Perplexity Makes Shock $34.5bn Bid for Google Chrome in Challenge to Tech Giant’s Dominance
Perplexity, meanwhile, has said it would keep Google as the default search engine in Chrome, although users would retain the ability to change their preferences. The company also pledged continued support for Chromium, the open-source browser framework that powers Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
The start-up, last valued at $18 billion in July, has not disclosed how it would finance the proposed deal. Despite this, Perplexity says its bid represents a bold commitment to “user choice and continuity” for Chrome’s vast user base.
Perplexity has recently launched its own AI-powered browser, Comet, and has been positioning itself as a key player in the AI space, competing with heavyweights like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Earlier this year, it also made headlines with an offer to purchase the US operations of TikTok, which faces a potential ban if not sold by September.
While many analysts question the seriousness of Perplexity’s bid, some believe a larger offer from a high-profile figure like Sam Altman or Elon Musk could potentially shift the balance in the AI and browser wars.