Inside the AI Browser Battle: Perplexity’s CEO Reveals Strategies to Compete with Google

Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity, is making headlines by challenging Google to get his AI assistant preinstalled on Android devices. He’s also focusing his startup on what he believes will be the next big platform in AI: web browsers.

Next month, Perplexity plans to launch its own browser called Comet. Srinivas believes this approach could significantly enhance how AI agents interact with users. “A browser acts like a mini operating system. It allows access to other services and can perform tasks on your behalf,” he explains.

Others in the AI space, like OpenAI and Google, are already exploring similar paths. OpenAI’s Operator and Google’s Mariner utilize browsers to execute commands. While OpenAI hasn’t launched its own browser yet, it’s in the works. Meanwhile, Google faces potential scrutiny from U.S. regulators that could force it to sell Chrome, its popular browser.

Thanks to this scrutiny, Perplexity sees an opening. This week, Motorola announced that Perplexity will be pre-installed on its new Razr phones. Though not as extensive an integration as desired, Srinivas sees it as a significant win. He states, “Without the DOJ trial, we wouldn’t have made this partnership. Google’s prior influence made it hard for us to gain traction with telecoms.”

Over the last year, Perplexity’s growth has been impressive. It went from 1 million users to nearly 30 million. It now handles around 600 million queries per month, capturing about 14% of Google’s volume.

During a recent interview, Srinivas discussed his new partnerships and ambitions. He wants to work with as many companies as possible to boost Perplexity’s reach. This will include plans for a browser compatible with Mac and Windows, as well as deeper integration with manufacturers.

However, the challenge remains formidable. Google and Microsoft maintain significant control over their respective ecosystems. “Changing defaults takes effort; they’ve designed it that way,” Srinivas admits.

### Browser Ambitions

Why a browser? Srinivas argues that it provides flexibility. Existing mobile platforms limit deep integration with apps. “We need an operating system level of access, and a browser allows just that. It’s a space where we can add value.”

As more companies adopt AI, competition for user engagement intensifies. ChatGPT has quickly gained ground, creating user loyalty through personalized interactions. However, Srinivas believes that understanding user context will differentiate Perplexity in the long run.

He points out, “ChatGPT might miss out on your transactions and interactions across platforms. Our goal is to have a comprehensive understanding that enables real personalization.”

Despite the challenges, Perplexity continues to make headway in the AI landscape. As it builds a browser and explores further partnerships, the stage is set for what many see as a new frontier in technology.



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AI,Command Line,Google,Tech