Apparently, OpenAI is planning to release an AI-powered web browser, which is set to challenge Google Chrome. Reuters reported that the browser is slated to launch in the coming weeks, and that it is aimed to fundamentally change how users browse the web. And of course, it will allow the company to gain direct access to user data, an element that plays a part in Google’s success.
According to the publication’s unnamed sources, the OpenAI browser is built on Chromium, which is Google’s open-source browser code. It also happens to be the source code for Chrome itself, as well as other competing browsers like Microsoft Edge and Opera. That said, OpenAI’s offering reportedly works differently from a typical browser. It is designed to keep certain user interactions within a chat interface not unlike in ChatGPT, rather than clicking through to websites.
The web browser is part of OpenAI’s strategy to integrate its services across the lives of consumers. The company could easily introduce its AI agents to the browser, which would perform actions on behalf of the user, such as filling in forms or making reservations.
However, the OpenAI browser faces stiff competition. As it stands, Google Chrome boasts a userbase of over three billion and makes up more than two-thirds of the global browser market. Meanwhile, ChatGPT has about 500 million weekly active users, and about three million paying business users. The AI-powered browser could emerge as a threat to Google if the existing ChatGPT userbase also readily adopts it, but whether that will happen remains to be seen.
During Google’s antitrust trial back in April, OpenAI expressed its desire to acquire Chrome should a sale be enforced. However, Google has asserted that it is unwilling to let go of its web browser and will appeal the ruling that it holds a monopoly.
(Source: Reuters)
