OpenAI is preparing to release an artificial intelligence-driven web browser that could challenge Google’s market-leading Chrome, according to three sources familiar with the development.
The browser, expected to launch in the coming weeks, is designed to redefine how users interact with the internet by integrating AI directly into the browsing experience. The move also gives OpenAI greater access to valuable user data — a core driver of Google’s advertising empire.
If embraced by ChatGPT’s 500 million weekly active users, the new browser could disrupt a major part of Alphabet’s revenue engine. Google Chrome plays a vital role in Alphabet’s ad business, providing the user data that powers its targeted advertising and directing traffic to its own search engine by default. Advertising accounts for nearly 75 percent of Alphabet’s overall income.
Two sources revealed that OpenAI’s browser will keep some user interactions within a ChatGPT-style chat interface, reducing the need to click through to external websites. One of the sources added that the product is part of OpenAI’s broader effort to integrate its services more deeply into users’ personal and professional lives.
OpenAI declined to comment, and the individuals providing information requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
Under the leadership of Sam Altman, OpenAI made global waves with the release of ChatGPT in 2022, triggering an AI arms race across the tech industry. The company has since faced growing competition from Google and AI startup Anthropic, and is now exploring new growth opportunities.
In May, OpenAI expanded into the hardware space with a $6.5 billion acquisition of io, an AI devices firm founded by Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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