OpenAI Eyes Chrome’s Throne

Nikka Sulton

OpenAI Eyes Chrome’s Throne

Just when it felt like the browser wars had finally settled, fresh news hints at a new rivalry on the horizon. Both OpenAI and Perplexity have announced plans that could see them take on Google’s Chrome, the world’s most popular browser.

There are credible rumours swirling that OpenAI is working on its own web browser. What makes this news interesting is the timing of the anonymous tip, which arrived just as Perplexity revealed they’re about to launch a browser called Comet.

In Silicon Valley, it’s quite common for companies to make big announcements that clash with those of their rivals. The timing here seems anything but accidental. A good example of this happened earlier this year when OpenAI leaked details about its search engine on the exact day that Google launched Gemini 1.5, on 15 February 2024. It appears to be a bit of a tradition in the tech world.

According to a report by Reuters, OpenAI’s browser is set to arrive very soon. The plan is to roll out an AI-powered browser that could directly challenge Google Chrome, which dominates the market.

The new browser, expected in the coming weeks, is said to use artificial intelligence to change how people explore the web. If successful, this could let OpenAI tap into something that has been at the heart of Google’s success for years: valuable user data.

OpenAI isn’t alone in this push, with Perplexity also stepping into the race. Their upcoming browser, Comet, hints at a growing trend where AI and browsing come together to reshape our online experience.

Many are now waiting to see how these browsers might look and what features they’ll bring. The idea of a smarter, AI-driven browsing experience is certainly catching people’s attention.

While Google Chrome has been the top choice for millions for years, these new challengers could shift things around. If OpenAI and Perplexity succeed, users might soon have fresh options that promise something very different.

For now, we can only watch and wait to see how this plays out. But one thing is clear: the quiet days of the browser market might soon be over.

Perplexity Comet

As reported by TechCrunch, Perplexity’s upcoming Comet browser will feature its own Perplexity AI search engine set as the default option. This means users will be directly connected to Perplexity’s AI-powered search as soon as they start browsing.

The browser is also designed to include an AI agent called Comet Assistant. This assistant is built to help with everyday tasks such as summarising emails and making it easier to find information online. It aims to make browsing feel quicker, simpler, and more personalised.

Interestingly, Comet won’t be available to everyone straight away. Perplexity plans to roll it out first to subscribers paying $200 per month, along with a selected group of VIPs who have been invited to try it before anyone else. This exclusive launch strategy might help create buzz and gather feedback before a wider release.

What makes this all quite fascinating is how it feels like a throwback to earlier days of the internet. Google, Perplexity, and OpenAI are now competing for control over the web browser space, a part of technology that has been central to how we all use the internet for decades.

Despite all the changes in technology, browsers remain a key part of the online experience. And while pop-ups might still be one of the few constants on the web, the way we search and browse is clearly evolving again.

It’s interesting to see these tech giants bringing fresh ideas and AI features into something as familiar as a browser. It suggests that even the most established parts of the internet can still be reimagined.

As Perplexity pushes forward with Comet, and OpenAI continues to work on its own browser, the competition could lead to new tools that might change the way we all explore the web.

For now, users will have to wait and see what these AI-powered browsers will actually look like in practice. But it’s clear that the battle for browser dominance is far from over.