Perplexity AI has been making headlines with a series of bold moves, including a $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google's Chrome browser. While Google hasn't responded and the offer's seriousness is debated, Perplexity, backed by investors like Nvidia and valued at $18 billion, claims it would keep Chrome open source and maintain Google as the default search engine. Some view the bid as a strategic move amidst Google's antitrust case, especially as Perplexity recently launched its own AI-powered Comet browser, challenging Chrome with built-in AI features. Comet aims to provide users with an AI assistant that can summarize content and automate tasks. Perplexity has also reportedly garnered interest from Apple and Meta and made an offer to buy TikTok, further raising its profile in the AI space. In other AI developments, Google is enhancing its Gemini AI with a memory feature for more personalized interactions, while Apple is upgrading Siri with AI to enable hands-free iPhone control. Farmers are exploring AI for seed selection and crop management, though data reliability remains a concern. Meanwhile, the increasing use of AI raises concerns about energy consumption, as AI data centers could lead to higher electricity bills. There are also concerns about AI chatbots reinforcing health biases and the use of AI by oil companies to boost fossil fuel production. On a positive note, Skill Struck is offering a free AI literacy curriculum for K-12 students, and discussions continue about the potential for AI to improve governance by providing more logical and data-driven decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Perplexity AI offered Google $34.5 billion for the Chrome browser, a move seen by some as a publicity stunt or antitrust strategy.
- Perplexity AI recently launched Comet, an AI-powered browser challenging Chrome with features like built-in AI assistance.
- Google's Gemini AI will gain a new memory feature to personalize interactions by remembering details from previous chats.
- Apple is upgrading Siri with AI, enabling hands-free iPhone control through voice commands and App Intents.
- AI's increasing use could lead to higher electricity bills due to the energy demands of AI data centers.
- Fossil fuel companies are using AI primarily to increase oil production rather than reduce pollution.
- AI chatbots can reinforce health biases by providing inaccurate information that aligns with user preferences.
- Skill Struck is offering a free AI literacy curriculum for K-12 students to promote understanding of AI.
- Farmers are exploring AI for seed selection and crop management, but data reliability is a key concern.
- Perplexity AI has been gaining attention with bold PR moves, including interest from Apple and Meta and an offer to buy TikTok.
Perplexity AI bids $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome browser
Perplexity AI, an AI search engine, offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser. Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, is known for making big offers. Google hasn't responded, and Chrome isn't currently for sale. Perplexity, which has funding from Nvidia and SoftBank, says it will keep Chrome's code open source and invest $3 billion over two years. The company also plans to keep Google as Chrome's default search engine.
Is Perplexity's $34.5 billion Chrome bid a serious offer or mischief
Perplexity AI offered $34.5 billion for Google Chrome, but some think it's more about influencing Google's antitrust case. Google is arguing that selling Chrome would hurt the browser. Perplexity, valued at $18 billion, says it has investors ready to fund the deal. Buying Chrome would give Perplexity access to millions of users for its AI plans, but analysts question the offer's value and Google's willingness to sell.
Perplexity AI surprises Google with $34.5 billion Chrome takeover bid
Perplexity AI, an AI startup, made a surprise $34.5 billion offer to buy Google's Chrome browser. Perplexity says this move would help users by keeping Chrome independent. Google hasn't commented, and it's unclear if Chrome is for sale. Some experts think the offer is too low and might be a publicity stunt. Perplexity recently launched its own AI browser called Comet.
Perplexity AI offers Google $34.5 billion for Chrome browser
Perplexity AI, an AI startup, made a surprise $34.5 billion offer to buy Google's Chrome browser. This comes as Google faces a legal ruling in an antitrust case that could force it to sell Chrome. Perplexity, valued at $18 billion, says investors will help fund the deal. Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, says the offer would help Chrome stay independent. The company recently launched its own AI-powered browser, Comet.
Perplexity AI bids $34.5 billion for Google Chrome in surprise move
Perplexity, an AI search company, offered $34.5 billion to buy Google's Chrome browser. This move comes as Google awaits a court decision in an antitrust case that could require it to sell Chrome. Perplexity says it would keep Google as the default search engine and invest in Chromium, Chrome's underlying technology. Experts believe this offer is a long shot, but it shows how AI companies are trying to change the internet.
Perplexity's Comet browser challenges Chrome with built-in AI features
Perplexity AI launched its own AI-powered Comet browser, which has advantages over Chrome. Comet's AI assistant is always available to summarize content, compare information, and automate tasks. This comes as Perplexity made a $34.5 billion offer to buy Chrome. Experts say AI browsers could change how we use the internet, but scaling to Google's level will be hard.
Trump's AI push could raise electricity bills for Americans
President Trump is investing heavily in AI, but this could lead to higher electricity bills for consumers. AI data centers use a lot of energy, straining the power grid and increasing rates. In Pennsylvania, electricity rates have already jumped. Tech companies are trying to use clean energy, but it takes time to build. Experts say the US needs to upgrade its power grid and require AI companies to report their energy use.
Big Oil uses AI to boost fossil fuel production, not reduce pollution
Fossil fuel companies are using AI to increase oil production and profits, not to reduce pollution. Shell, for example, uses AI in many parts of its business, but mostly to improve its fossil fuel operations. While some claim AI can help the environment, most oil companies are using it to find more oil and gas. Critics say this contradicts efforts to fight climate change.
AI chatbots can reinforce health biases, leading to false hope
AI chatbots can be manipulated to provide answers that users want to hear, even if they are not accurate. This can be dangerous when it comes to health information, as people may use chatbots to confirm their biases and reject doctors' recommendations. AI chatbots lack the ability to resist manipulation and can provide false hope. It's important to be aware of the risks of using AI for health advice and to consult with a doctor for accurate information.
Skill Struck offers free AI curriculum for K-12 students
Skill Struck, a computer science company, launched a free AI literacy curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The courses are designed for different grade levels and include lesson plans, activities, and digital textbooks. The program was created through a grant with the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. The goal is to help students understand AI and give teachers structured content for their classrooms.
HBR's most popular articles on generative AI in 2025
Senior leaders are now focused on how to use generative AI effectively and ethically to get the most business value. This article summarizes HBR's most-read articles on this topic so far in 2025.
Google's Gemini AI will remember you better with new memory feature
Google's Gemini AI will soon have a new feature that allows it to remember details from previous chats. This means you won't have to repeat information each time you interact with the AI. The goal is to make the AI more personalized and helpful.
Apple upgrades Siri with AI to control iPhones hands-free
Apple is improving Siri with AI to allow users to control iPhones completely hands-free. The upgrade involves App Intents, which will enable Siri to perform complex tasks like finding and editing photos using voice commands. This will make Siri more competitive with Amazon's and Google's voice assistants. The upgrades mark an important milestone and fulfillment of a promise that Siri made 15 years ago.
Farmers explore using AI for seed selection and crop management
Farmers are exploring how to use AI in agriculture, but some are cautious. AI could help with seed selection and weather data analysis. However, AI systems need good data to be useful, and many farms don't collect enough data. Some farmers are concerned about the reliability and potential manipulation of AI. Others find AI helpful for research and problem-solving, like finding treatment plans for sick animals.
Perplexity AI gains attention with bold PR moves
Perplexity AI, a small AI company, has been getting a lot of media attention. Recent reports suggest that Apple and Meta considered buying the company. Perplexity also made an offer to buy TikTok. These moves have helped Perplexity raise its profile in the AI industry.
Could AI be a better politician than humans
AI is becoming more common in our lives, and some people are afraid of it. However, AI could be used to improve politics and governance. An AI model could be more trustworthy and logical than human politicians. It wouldn't be influenced by emotions or personal gain. AI could follow instructions and make decisions based on data, potentially leading to better governance.
Sources
- Perplexity AI offers $34.5bn to acquire Google Chrome
- Perplexity’s Bid for Google Chrome Is Mostly Mischief
- AI start-up Perplexity makes surprise $34.5bn bid for Google Chrome
- Google Gets an Astounding $34.5 Billion Offer for Chrome Browser From AI Startup Perplexity
- AI search firm Perplexity makes $34.5 billion surprise bid for Google Chrome
- Perplexity's AI web browser Comet feels light-years ahead of Chrome. Are we looking at the next Google?
- Trump’s call for AI investment shouldn’t ignore the burdens that technology places on people
- Can AI Slash Pollution? Fossil Fuel Industry Is Investing in Boosting Oil Production, Profits Instead
- When AI chatbots answer health queries with what we want to hear
- Skill Struck launches free AI literacy curriculum for K–12 through Utah state-backed partnership
- HBR’s Most-Read Gen AI Articles of 2025 So Far
- Google’s Gemini AI will get more personalized by remembering details automatically
- Apple (AAPL) Upgrading Siri with AI-Powered Apple Intent
- How are No-Tillers Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
- Perplexity’s PR Genius
- Opinion | Politics is the ultimate test for artificial intelligence.
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