The new online navigation platform will integrate chat and AI agents, directly causing Google domination and commercials.
Openai launches a photo intelligence web browser: Shutterstock
Openai is preparing to launch in the coming weeks a web browser based on artificial intelligence, according to sources close to the company, quoted by Reuters. The new product promises to fundamentally transform how users sail on the Internet and represent a strategic movement through which Openai comes into direct competition with Chrome, the browser developed by the Google giant (Alphabet), which currently dominates the global market.
A new way to browse the internet
The Openai browser will integrate a chat-like interface, similar to that of Chatgpt, and will allow interactions with agents capable of performing tasks instead of the user, such as completing forms or making reservations directly on the websites accessed.
According to two of the sources quoted, the new browser will not only work through the classic clicks on sites, but will keep some interactions directly in the chat interface. This approach could provide OpenAi Direct Access to a vital resource for Google: Users’ data.
“B.Rowser is part of a wider Openai strategy to integrate its services into the personal and professional life of consumers”, Said one of the sources.
A real threat to Google Business Model
Chrome plays an essential role in Google’s business model, providing data that allow the effective directing of advertisements and, implicitly, generating most Alphabet revenues. According to Reuters, if the Openai browser will be widely adopted, including the 400 million weekly Chatgpt, could put pressure on this ecosystem and Google revenues.
Built on Google’s Open-Source code
Two sources confirmed that the browser is built on Chromium, the Open-Source code also used by Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Opera. In addition, Openai recruited two former Google vice -presidents in 2023, members of the initial team that created Chrome.
The Information was the first site to report hiring and the fact that Openai has been analyzing the idea of building its own browser for a long time. An executive director of the company said in April that they would be interested in buying Chrome, in the event that the Antitrust authorities would require selling it. But Google rejected the idea and announced that it will challenge the decision of American justice that has established that it has an illegal monopoly in the field of online search.
Why do your own browser and not a simple plugin?
Openai has chosen to develop its own browser, instead of building only a plugin that operates over existing platforms, to have full control over user data. “This decision allows the company to directly collect data on web browsing behavior ”explained a source.
The competition is growing
The launch of the Openai browser comes at a time when several companies experience similar products. The Browser Company and Brave have announced this year browsers capable of performing actions on behalf of users, and the Perplexity startup has recently launched its own browser, called COMET.
Currently, Chrome is used by over 3 billion people and controls over two thirds of the global market, according to Statcounter. Apple Safari ranks second, with only 16% market share.
Openai, led by entrepreneur Sam Altman, has radically changed the technological industry by launching Chatgpt at the end of 2022. After the resounding success, the company faced a harder competition from Google and other startups like Anthropic. Recently, Openai also entered the hardware market, announcing an investment of $ 6.5 billion for the purchase of the Io startup, founded by former Apple, Jony Ive design.
Openai did not provide an official comment on the future browser. Reuters sources have asked to remain anonymous, not being authorized to speak publicly about the project.
