OpenAI is on the verge of introducing an AI-driven internet browser that is poised to rival Google Chrome’s dominance in the market, as per insights from three knowledgeable sources who spoke to Reuters.
The launch of this browser is expected in the upcoming weeks, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize the way users navigate the web. This move is set to provide OpenAI with more direct access to valuable user data, a cornerstone of Google’s success.
By potentially capturing the attention of the 400 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s browser could exert pressure on Google’s advertising revenue stream. Google Chrome plays a pivotal role in Alphabet’s advertising business, contributing significantly to its revenue by offering user data to enhance ad targeting and directing search traffic to Google’s engine by default.
According to two sources, OpenAI’s browser is designed to facilitate certain user interactions within a ChatGPT-like chat interface instead of directing users to external websites.
The development of this browser aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy to integrate its services into the daily lives of consumers, as mentioned by one of the sources.
While OpenAI declined to comment on these reports, the sources preferred to remain anonymous due to confidentiality reasons.
Led by entrepreneur Sam Altman, OpenAI disrupted the tech landscape with the introduction of its AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022. In seeking continued growth amidst competition from players like Google and Anthropic, OpenAI recently announced its foray into the hardware sector, acquiring AI devices startup io for $6.5 billion US.
Integrating AI agent products such as Operator into the browsing experience, the browser could enable OpenAI to streamline user tasks directly within websites based on the user’s web activity.
With Google Chrome currently dominating the global browser market, boasting over three billion users, OpenAI faces tough competition. Other AI startups like the Browser Company and Brave have also unveiled AI-powered browsers capable of performing user actions. Additionally, Perplexity, a well-funded startup renowned for its search engine, launched its AI browser, Comet, recently.
OpenAI’s browser, built on Chromium, Google’s open-source browser code, forms the foundation for various browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Last year, OpenAI hired two former Google vice presidents who were instrumental in the development of Google Chrome. The company also expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if antitrust measures led to a sale, though Google has not made Chrome available for purchase, planning to challenge the ruling on its alleged monopoly.
Opting to construct its browser from scratch rather than as a mere extension on another platform, OpenAI aims to gain more control over data collection, as per a source familiar with the matter.