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Perplexity Offers to Buy Google's Chrome Browser for $34.5 billionwww.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/perplexity-google-chrome-ai.html
197 sats \ 7 comments \ @Cje95 23h AI
This would be a HUGE move in the AI space if a company like Perplexity was able to acquire Google’s Chrome browser and then fold in their AI capabilities.
Google might be taking this offer seriously as it has been dealt multiple blows in court over its monopoly and being forced to sell off assets or break apart.
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5 sats \ 2 replies \ @grayruby 22h
Seems kind of pricey just for a browser.
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40 sats \ 1 reply \ @SimpleStacker 22h
Definitely not just purchasing the software. They want to do something with the userbase, which enormous
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20 sats \ 0 replies \ @Cje95 OP 21h
Yeah it is going to give them search data which is worth every bit of $35 bil
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0 sats \ 2 replies \ @optimism 23h
Chromium - the engine underneath - is open source. So do they just want the installed base? Highly skeptical; sounds like someone needs data.
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100 sats \ 1 reply \ @Cje95 OP 21h
No they get the search data as well. Plus Chrome is installed on so many devices as well. Plus they just launched their own AI Browser Comet last month but if you are able to buy one that already has the reach like Chrome.... might as well buy it since the Government is making you get rid of it anyway.
Chrome, which Google launched in 2008, provides the search giant with data it then uses for targeting ads. The DOJ said in a filing following the court’s decision that forcing the company to get rid of Chrome would create a more equal playing field for search competitors.
“To remedy these harms, the [Initial Proposed Final Judgment] requires Google to divest Chrome, which will permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet,” the DOJ wrote.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @optimism 3h
That's what I mean. They want the installed base so that they can capture everyone's browsing data.
since the Government is making you get rid of it anyway.
This is actually a really good point, that might explain why Google is reducing effort on AOSP and Chromium, after reorganizing it into a distinct business unit last year
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Grateful 23h
WTF
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