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In a step that promises to disrupt the web surfing world, OpenAI is planning to release its first AI-based browser in the next few weeks. According to reports, it will be a Chromium-based AI browser, built on the open-source framework behind Google Chrome. It will also incorporate ChatGPT-style functionality, featuring AI agents that execute tasks on behalf of users directly.
The new browser, yet to be named, will feature a native chat interface. It is expected to support the company’s AI agents, such as ‘Operator’, for booking reservations, filling out forms, and summarizing documents, among other tasks. This move is a strategic shift by Sam Altman’s brainchild to transition from being a mere chatbot supplier to being an integral part of internet users' everyday workflows.
OpenAI’s browser may potentially divert traffic from traditional websites by keeping users within AI-generated responses. Chrome, used by over 3 billion people, provides Google with valuable user data. This, in turn, fuels the company’s ad-targeting empire, which is more than 70% of Alphabet’s total revenue.
If 500 million of ChatGPT's weekly users, who currently use OpenAI, switch to the browser, it has the potential to alter Google's ad revenue significantly. The search giant is already under antitrust criticism for exhibiting monopolistic behavior in Internet search. Its tight control over the Chrome environment only gives ammunition to that criticism.
OpenAI is entering a field already crowded with competitors, including Perplexity's newly released Comet, Brave's AI-powered browser, and The Browser Company's Dia. However, OpenAI possibly has a competitive advantage with its powerful GPT-4-based capabilities. The company has also been strategic in its acquisitions of two Google VPs who contributed to the development of Chrome.
Sources indicate that OpenAI opted to develop a standalone browser rather than relying on plugins to gain more control over user data. As of now, Sam Altman owned company has not made a public comment on the launch. However, one thing is clear: the browsing experience will soon be revolutionised for everyday tasks.
