The tech world was left stunned when Perplexity, the $18 billion AI startup led by Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, made an audacious $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google Chrome.

The tech world was left stunned when Perplexity, the $18 billion AI startup led by Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, made an audacious $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google Chrome. Yes, the same Chrome that dominates the global browser market with over 60% share, owned by Alphabet, one of the most valuable companies in the world. The move has raised eyebrows, not just because of the sheer audacity but because Perplexity itself is valued at less than the amount it’s offering. The big question on everyone’s mind: where is this money coming from?

Perplexity has been making waves with its AI-powered search tools, positioning itself as a challenger to Google’s dominance. Its latest product, Comet, an AI-driven browser, is seen as a direct competitor to Chrome. The timing of this offer has led many to speculate whether this is a genuine acquisition attempt, a strategic play to challenge antitrust regulations, or simply a masterstroke of PR to draw attention to Comet.

Industry analysts are divided. Some believe Perplexity could be leveraging investor backing or undisclosed funding to make this bid, though raising $34.5 billion in cash seems improbable for a startup of its size. Others argue this could be a regulatory play, forcing authorities to scrutinize Google’s hold on the browser market. If regulators see Chrome as too dominant, they might push for divestment, opening doors for competitors like Perplexity.

Then there’s the PR angle. The announcement alone has put Perplexity in headlines worldwide, drawing massive attention to Comet. If the goal was brand visibility, it’s already working. Social media is buzzing with debates on whether Perplexity is serious or just trolling Google.

Google, for its part, has remained silent. Chrome is a cornerstone of its ecosystem, deeply integrated with its search, ads, and cloud services. Letting go of it seems unthinkable. Even if Perplexity somehow secured the funds, regulatory hurdles would be immense.

Aravind Srinivas, known for his bold vision, has previously spoken about redefining search with AI. This move, whether real or strategic, aligns with that ambition. If Perplexity’s Comet gains traction, it could disrupt how we browse the internet, making AI the backbone of web navigation.

For now, the offer remains shrouded in mystery. Is Perplexity serious? Can it actually pull this off? Or is this just the beginning of a bigger battle between AI upstarts and tech giants? One thing is certain—the internet landscape might never be the same.

Tags: #Perplexity #GoogleChrome #AIBrowser #TechNews #AravindSrinivas #Internet #Startup #BigTech #ArtificialIntelligence #CometBrowser #Firstpost #PalkiSharma #WorldNews #TechGiant #SearchEngine #DigitalDisruption #Antitrust #USATech #Innovation #FutureOfWeb.

This story is still unfolding, and the reactions from regulators, investors, and competitors will shape what comes next. Whether a real bid or a brilliant stunt, Perplexity has everyone talking—and that might just be the point.

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