OpenAI Reportedly Working on Web Browser to Compete With Google Chrome

OpenAI is working on a web browser that could compete with Google Chrome.

As The Information reports, the ChatGPT-maker has reportedly hired ex-Google developers such as Ben Goodger and Darin Fisher, who worked on the original Chrome project. The report claims that OpenAI has discussed the new browser project with companies like media conglomerate Conde Nast, ticketing firm Eventbrite, Redfin, and Priceline. 

OpenAI has allegedly been discussing “power search features for travel, food, real estate, and retail websites” with its potential partners. The new browser, perhaps unsurprisingly, will also have built-in support for ChatGPT and ChatGPT search.

We’re not likely to see Google’s dominance in the browser world challenged anytime soon, The Information says the functional version of the browser is not even “remotely close. In addition, OpenAI is in discussions with Samsung to lend some of its AI features to smartphones.

For the time being, Google Chrome is by far the most popular web browser in the world. October data from Statcounter estimates Google Chrome’s share of the browser marketplace at 65% on the desktop and 68% on mobile. However, earlier this week, the US proposed that Google sell off its Chrome browser business, alleging that its dominance over the browser market constitutes an illegal monopoly. 

“The playing field is not level because of Google’s conduct, and Google’s quality reflects the ill-gotten gains of an advantage illegally acquired,” the proposal says. “The remedy must close this gap and deprive Google of these advantages.”

Google calls the suggested remedies “extreme,” while Mozilla says the DOJ’s actions could hurt smaller browsers.

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About Will McCurdy

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I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

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