In one of the most unexpected moves in recent tech history, AI startup Perplexity has reportedly made a $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser.
Even though Google has not announced any plans to sell Chrome, this bold proposal is making waves across Silicon Valley and beyond.
According to India Today, Perplexity’s CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed that the offer is real, although the chances of Google accepting are slim. Still, the announcement has sparked discussions about the value of browsers, the future of AI companies, and the changing landscape of internet access.
What Is Perplexity?
Perplexity is a fast-growing AI company that specializes in conversational search—a more interactive way of finding information compared to traditional Google searches.
Founded only a few years ago, Perplexity has attracted major investment and millions of users with its ability to answer questions directly, summarize information, and provide clear results without showing dozens of links.
You can read more about Perplexity’s current growth at Investors.com.
Why Google Chrome?
Google Chrome is the world’s most-used browser, with a market share of over 60% in the United States. Chrome is free to use, but it generates revenue for Google through ads, data, and integration with other Google services.
For an AI company like Perplexity, owning Chrome would mean:
-
Direct access to millions of daily users
-
Control over the search bar
-
Potential to replace Google Search with its own AI-powered search
-
Massive branding power in the tech world
Can Perplexity Afford It?
This is where things get interesting. Perplexity is currently valued between $14 and $18 billion—far less than the $34.5 billion offer it made. That means the company would likely need huge loans, investor backing, or a partnership to finance the deal.
Experts believe this move could be partly symbolic, meant to draw attention to Perplexity and challenge Google’s dominance.
Will Google Sell Chrome?
Highly unlikely.
Google has built Chrome into a critical part of its ecosystem, connecting users to Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, and of course, Google Search.
Selling Chrome would mean giving up control over a major gateway to its advertising business.
Some analysts even argue that Google could be violating its own competitive strategy by letting Chrome go. However, ongoing antitrust pressures in the U.S. and Europe could one day force big tech companies to break apart.
The Bigger Picture: AI vs. Traditional Search
Perplexity’s bold move highlights a bigger trend—AI is becoming a serious rival to traditional search engines.
Instead of typing keywords into Google and clicking through websites, more people are using AI assistants that give instant answers.
This shift is challenging Google’s decades-long dominance in online search, and acquiring a major browser could accelerate the transition.
Public and Industry Reaction
Tech insiders are divided. Some call the offer “marketing genius”, while others see it as “unrealistic hype.”
On social media, reactions range from excitement to skepticism:
-
Supporters say this is the kind of bold thinking the AI industry needs.
-
Critics argue Perplexity should focus on building its own platform instead of buying someone else’s.
What Happens Next?
For now, Google has not responded publicly to the offer.
If Google rejects the bid—as most expect—Perplexity will likely use the publicity to attract more users and investors.
This situation could also inspire other AI companies to pursue strategic acquisitions, even if they seem impossible.
Why This Story Matters to Everyday Users
Even if this deal never happens, it’s important because it shows:
-
AI companies are now major players in tech
-
Big tech giants could face serious competition
-
The tools we use to browse and search the internet may change dramatically in the next few years
Final Thoughts
Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer for Google Chrome might never become reality, but it has already achieved something important—it got the world talking about the future of browsers, search, and artificial intelligence.
In the fast-moving world of tech, today’s bold idea can be tomorrow’s reality.
Outbound References: