Perplexity, a Silicon Valley startup, has made headlines with its unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to buy Google’s popular web browser, Chrome. The move comes as the tech giant is facing regulatory scrutiny after losing an antitrust case brought by the Department of Justice.
Comet, Perplexity’s AI-powered browser, has gained attention for its advantages over Chrome. Unlike Google’s web browser, Comet’s AI assistant is always present and provides users with instant content summaries, tab comparisons, and automation capabilities. This shift towards a conversational experience could transform browsing as we know it.
However, experts say that Perplexity’s blockbuster move raises questions about the company’s ability to become the next Google. Thomas Grange, cofounder of AI-search optimization platform Botify, believes that “there won’t be a ‘next Google.'” Instead, he sees an emerging trend towards hyper-personalized, context-aware, and conversational ways of finding information.
Perplexity’s bid for Chrome faces significant challenges, including regulatory hurdles, financial constraints, and technical obstacles. Despite this, the startup’s funding is backed by prominent investors such as Nvidia and SoftBank.
The emergence of AI-powered browsers has set the stage for industry change, with Microsoft’s Edge browser and OpenAI’s upcoming browser also vying for dominance. As Perplexity navigates its bid for Chrome, it must address concerns about user trust, privacy, and scale to establish itself as a leader in the AI space.
Ultimately, whether or not Perplexity’s Chrome acquisition will materialize remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the future of web browsing has never been more exciting, with Perplexity’s innovative approach pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/08/13/perplexity-chrome-acquisition-bid-comet-ai-browser-next-google