Perplexity AI has surprised the tech industry by making a $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. The offer arrives just as a US federal judge is expected to decide on remedies in Google’s search antitrust case — and one option on the table is forcing Google to divest Chrome.
What Perplexity AI Chrome Bid Is Putting on the Table
The proposal, sent to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, promises to:
- Keep the Chromium codebase open source.
- Invest $3 billion over the next two years.
- Make no changes to Chrome’s default search engine settings.
Perplexity says major investment funds are ready to finance the deal in full, though it hasn’t disclosed their names. Google hasn’t offered Chrome for sale and is appealing last year’s monopoly ruling.
Why This Timing Matters
The US Department of Justice has argued that Chrome is central to Google’s dominance in search. The judge is expected to issue a decision on remedies later this month. During this remedies phase, several companies — including OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management — have signaled they would consider buying Chrome if it came to market.
Why Browsers Are Back in the Spotlight
In the AI era, the browser is more than a window to the web — it’s a control over how we search, shop, and work. Perplexity recently launched Comet, an AI-powered browser that can summarize pages, manage tabs, and handle routine tasks directly in a sidebar. Owning Chrome’s estimated 3 billion-plus users would give Perplexity instant scale and a real edge against both Google and OpenAI.
Will Google Actually Sell?
Right now, that seems unlikely. Even if a judge ordered Chrome’s divestiture, selecting a buyer, ensuring compatibility, and keeping competition healthy could take years. In the meantime, Google is fighting to overturn the monopoly ruling.
Chrome vs Comet: How They Compare
| Feature | Chrome | Comet |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium (open source) | Chromium (open source) |
| Users | 3+ billion | Rolling out via staged invites |
| Default Search | Google Search | AI-first interface, can integrate various engines |
| Focus | Speed, compatibility, privacy controls | AI assistance: summaries, research, automation |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS initially, more to come |
Bottom Line
This is a bold, very public move designed to pressure both regulators and Google. Whether it becomes a real deal or remains a headline-grabbing bid, the message is clear: in the AI era, whoever controls the browser controls the front door to the internet.
Also Read | OpenAI Is Quietly Building Its Own Web Browser — Here’s What We Know
Source: Reuters
