Hi Synapticians!

Perplexity wants to buy Chrome from Google for $34.5 billion (yeah, billions ; no typo here!), which is far more than its own estimated valuation of around $14 billion. The message is crystal clear: in the AI race, the gateway matters just as much as the intelligence itself. Controlling the browser means securing access to queries, data, and user habits. Even for Silicon Valley, the boldness is eyebrow-raising.

The timing is no accident. After ruling Google a search monopoly in 2024, Judge Amit Mehta is set to decide on concrete remedies this month. The Department of Justice has explicitly proposed divesting Chrome in its revised final judgment. By stepping forward as a bidder, Perplexity is planting a flag on an asset the government could, at least theoretically, force Google to sell. Other suitors are already circling, from OpenAI to Yahoo.

On paper, the offer checks the political boxes: a promise to keep Chromium open source, invest $3 billion over two years, and retain Google as the default search engine. It also leans on a scale argument: Chrome reaches more than three billion users…enough to rocket-boost Perplexity’s AI browser, Comet. The catch? The funding is hazy, and Alphabet has never put Chrome up for sale. Perplexity is trying to buy the web’s front door with someone else’s money, and it shows.

Should we believe it? Analysts see a voluntary sale as highly unlikely, and a forced divestiture would be tied up in legal battles for years. Even the price seems low ; some peg Chrome’s value at no less than $50 billion. This feels more like a spotlight-grabbing move to influence the remedies debate and position Perplexity as the “responsible” buyer facing Google. To be continued… but we can’t help it… we kind of love Perplexity.

Here’s the rest of the news about AI today:

• OpenAI Reinstates GPT-4o Following Intense User Backlash and Product Strategy Adjustments

• OpenAI Co-Founder Sam Altman Backs New Startup to Compete With Neuralink

• AI for Good: The UN's Leading Platform for Harnessing AI to Solve Global Challenges

Top AI news

1. Perplexity Offers Over Double Valuation to Acquire Google's Chrome Browser
Google may be forced to sell its Chrome browser due to an antitrust ruling. AI firm Perplexity has offered $34.5 billion for Chrome, a move funded by venture capital and exceeding Perplexity's own valuation. This potential acquisition highlights the massive investment in AI and could significantly reshape the browser market and AI integration. Read online 🕶️

2. OpenAI Reinstates GPT-4o Following Intense User Backlash and Product Strategy Adjustments
OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o in ChatGPT after user backlash over its removal during the GPT-5 launch. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged underestimating user attachment to GPT-4o's features. The company also increased GPT-5 rate limits and added new routing options to address user concerns and improve control. Read online 🕶️

3. OpenAI Co-Founder Sam Altman Backs New Startup to Compete With Neuralink
OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman is launching Merge Labs to compete with Elon Musk's Neuralink in brain-computer interfaces. The startup is raising funds at an $850 million valuation, with OpenAI's ventures team expected to invest. Altman is collaborating with Alex Blania, founder of the World digital ID project, potentially integrating biometric identity with BCI technology. Read online 🕶️

4. AI for Good: The UN's Leading Platform for Harnessing AI to Solve Global Challenges
AI for Good is the UN's leading platform using AI to solve global challenges. It focuses on innovative applications, standards, skills, and partnerships. The initiative aims to harness AI for humanity's betterment and shared values, fostering collaboration for a positive future. Read online 🕶️

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