Google Chrome $34.5B Bid, Nvidia AI Expansion, DeepSeek Security

In a flurry of AI and tech news, Perplexity AI made a bold $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google's Chrome browser, a move potentially influenced by antitrust concerns and the DOJ's suggestion that Google divest Chrome. Google is resisting the sale, while Perplexity, backed by investors, aims to integrate Chrome with its AI-powered browser, Comet, envisioning a "cognitive operating system." Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimates Chrome's value at over $50 billion. Perplexity also developed Truth Search AI, an AI chatbot for Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, which has notably fact-checked some of Trump's claims. Nvidia is expanding its AI capabilities, moving beyond gaming graphics with a focus on physical AI and robotics. Their new RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU promises enhanced performance for AI, graphics, and simulations, supported by updates to Nvidia's Omniverse platform. Meanwhile, Senator Jon Husted is calling for an investigation into security risks associated with Chinese AI models like DeepSeek, citing potential ties to China's military and concerns about data sharing and export-controlled semiconductors. In other AI applications, Dow is leveraging AI, including Microsoft Security Copilot, to bolster its cybersecurity defenses, detecting phishing emails and automating threat hunting. CaptivateIQ has launched an AI-driven platform to improve sales planning and incentive compensation, offering features like forecasting and anomaly detection. Boise State is offering a free AI course for senior citizens to help them understand AI and protect against scams. Apple recently hosted a workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning (PPML), focusing on private learning, security, and foundation models. Finally, the rise of AI model-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms is changing how developers deploy and manage AI models, though concerns about vendor lock-in persist, and an AI songwriting program is raising questions about the future of music creation.

Key Takeaways

• Perplexity AI offered Google $34.5 billion for the Chrome browser, potentially driven by antitrust concerns.
• Google is resisting Perplexity's bid for Chrome, citing user privacy and security concerns.
• Nvidia is expanding its focus to physical AI and robotics, supported by its Omniverse platform and new Blackwell GPUs.
• Senator Husted is requesting an investigation into Chinese AI model DeepSeek due to security risks and potential ties to China's military.
• Dow is using Microsoft Security Copilot and other AI tools to enhance its cybersecurity measures.
• CaptivateIQ launched an AI-powered platform for sales planning and incentive compensation.
• Boise State is offering a free AI course for senior citizens to educate them about AI and protect them from scams.
• Apple hosted a workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning (PPML), emphasizing security and private learning.
• AI model-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms are growing, offering developers tools for model hosting and versioning.
• Perplexity's Truth Search AI chatbot on Truth Social has fact-checked some of Donald Trump's statements.

Perplexity bids $34.5 billion for Google's Chrome in AI battle

Perplexity offered Google $34.5 billion for its Chrome browser. This move could shake up the competition in AI technology. Perplexity wants to keep Chromium, Chrome's open-source base, and allow users to switch search engines easily. Google is against selling Chrome, saying it could hurt user privacy and security. Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, sees their own AI browser, Comet, as a "cognitive operating system."

Perplexity offers Google $34.5 billion for Chrome browser

Perplexity, an AI search company, made a surprise $34.5 billion offer to buy Google's Chrome browser. This comes as Google faces a court decision about violating antitrust laws. The Justice Department suggested Google sell Chrome as a possible solution. Perplexity says it would keep Google as the default search engine if it buys Chrome. Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives thinks Chrome is worth at least $50 billion.

AI startup Perplexity bids $34.5 billion for Google Chrome

Perplexity, an AI start-up, offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser. This offer comes as a judge may force Google to sell Chrome to reduce its power in the search market. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas said buying Chrome would serve the public interest. Google has resisted selling Chrome, but Perplexity has investors ready to back the deal. Perplexity launched its own AI web browser called Comet.

Perplexity AI offers $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome

Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence startup, has bid $34.5 billion to acquire Google's Chrome browser. This offer follows advice from the U.S. Department of Justice for Google to sell Chrome due to an antitrust lawsuit. Several investors are supporting Perplexity's bid for Chrome, valued between $20 billion and $50 billion. The DOJ sued Google in 2020, claiming it had a monopoly over search and advertising markets.

Perplexity bids $34.5 billion for Google's Chrome browser

AI startup Perplexity offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser. This bid aims to get ahead of a possible requirement for Google to sell Chrome due to antitrust issues. Perplexity plans to fund the bid with help from investors. The company also bid for TikTok earlier this year. Perplexity is developing an AI-powered browser called Comet.

How Nvidia grew from gaming to a $4 trillion AI giant

Nvidia's research lab, once small, now drives the company's AI success. Bill Dally joined in 2009 and helped expand research beyond gaming graphics. Nvidia was early in seeing the potential of AI GPUs. Now, Nvidia is focusing on physical AI and robotics. Sanja Fidler leads AI research, creating simulations for robots using the Omniverse platform.

Nvidia's new Blackwell GPU boosts AI and robotics

Nvidia's RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU will soon be in enterprise servers. These systems will offer better performance for AI, graphics, and other applications. The new RTX PRO Servers give systems GPU acceleration, improving performance in analytics and simulations. Nvidia's Blackwell architecture includes features like fifth-generation Tensor Cores. Nvidia has also updated its Omniverse and Cosmos offerings for physical AI and robotics.

Trump's AI chatbot fact-checks his claims

Donald Trump's Truth Social platform has a new AI chatbot called Truth Search AI. The chatbot is designed to give direct, reliable answers. However, it has fact-checked some of Trump's statements. For example, it said there's no evidence his tariff policy helped the stock market. The AI feature was developed by Perplexity, which has faced criticism for scraping websites without permission.

AI songwriting raises questions about music's future

An AI songwriting program helped a songwriter create complete songs from his lyrics. The AI could generate music in different genres, like '60s girl group or '90s punk. The author wonders if AI will learn to write better songs over time. He questions if AI can create a completely fabricated classic album. People may need to learn how to spot AI-generated music.

Dow uses AI to improve security and protect data

Dow, a materials science company, is using AI to improve its security. They have a responsible AI team to define principles and policies for using AI. Dow is using AI to detect and remove phishing emails and other malicious content. They are also using Microsoft Security Copilot to automate tasks and help with threat hunting. Security Copilot helps new team members learn faster.

Senator wants investigation into Chinese AI security risks

Senator Jon Husted wants the Commerce Department to investigate security risks in Chinese AI models. He is concerned about DeepSeek, an AI model with ties to China's military. DeepSeek may share user information with China's surveillance system. The senator worries about potential backdoors or vulnerabilities in Chinese AI models. He also wants to know if DeepSeek is improperly accessing export-controlled semiconductors.

CaptivateIQ uses AI to improve sales planning and compensation

CaptivateIQ launched a new platform that combines sales planning and incentive compensation with AI. The platform helps companies plan for and incentivize revenue growth. It gives teams a single place to manage everything from planning to payouts. Key features include a connected workspace, flexibility, and intelligent optimization. The platform uses AI to power forecasting, anomaly detection, and other capabilities.

Boise State offers free AI course for senior citizens

Boise State is offering a free AI course for senior citizens. The course focuses on helping seniors understand and navigate AI technology. It also teaches them how to protect themselves from AI-related scams. The course was created after seniors expressed fear of AI. The self-paced course is available online through BroncoLearn.

AI model-as-a-service ecosystems are on the rise

AI model-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms are becoming more popular. These platforms allow developers to outsource model hosting, versioning, and billing. This reduces friction for developers but raises questions about vendor lock-in. MaaS ecosystems offer tools like deployment templates and monitoring dashboards. Marketplaces are creating revenue models for model authors, but enterprises face risks like rising fees.

Apple hosts workshop on privacy-preserving machine learning

Apple held a workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning (PPML). The workshop brought together researchers to discuss the latest in PPML. Discussions focused on private learning, security, and foundation models. Participants explored how to build AI systems that protect privacy. Apple shared recordings of selected talks and publications discussed at the workshop.

Sources

• Perplexity's $34.5 billion gambit for Google's Chrome could change the AI wars overnight
• AI search firm Perplexity makes $34.5 billion surprise bid for Google Chrome
• A.I. Start-Up Perplexity Offers to Buy Google’s Chrome Browser for $34.5 Billion
• AI Startup Perplexity Bids $34.5 Billion to Acquire Google Chrome
• AI Startup Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Bid for Google’s Chrome Browser
• How a once-tiny research lab helped Nvidia become a $4 trillion-dollar company
• NVIDIA latest: Blackwell GPU and software updates
• Trump’s new AI chatbot keeps fact-checking him
• The Devil, the Dues and the AI Apocalypse
• Dow's 125-year legacy: Innovating with AI to secure a long future
• Sen. Husted urges investigation into Chinese AI model security risks
• From Planning to Payout: CaptivateIQ Unifies Sales Planning and Incentive Compensation with AI-Infused Platform
• Boise State offers free AI course geared toward senior citizens 
• The rise of AI model-as-a-service ecosystems
• Apple Workshop on Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning 2025