Perplexity AI has made headlines with an unsolicited $34.5 billion cash offer for Google Chrome, despite the browser’s strong integration into Google’s AI tools and long-term strategy. Chrome is essential for driving search traffic, supporting AI applications, and collecting user data vital for machine learning and large language model (LLM) development. Analysts view this ambitious bid as a publicity stunt, as Chrome’s estimated value could reach $50 billion if ever mandated for divestiture due to regulatory scrutiny.
Perplexity’s proposal commits to keeping the browser’s underlying code open-source and includes a $3 billion investment over two years. The company’s financial position raises concerns since it was founded just three years ago and last valued at $14 billion. Experts believe the likelihood of Google accepting the offer is very low, as Chrome is critical to its AI roadmap. Ultimately, Perplexity aims to increase visibility for its AI-driven browser, Comet, currently in limited release.
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