Recently, global corporations are launching or preparing to launch AI-based web browsers. As Google's Chrome, which has monopolized the online era with its search and web browser, faces challenges from this new AI web browser service, attention is drawn to whether this will lead to a change in the browser market landscape.
On the 10th, according to foreign media such as TechCrunch, Perplexity announced that it would launch the AI web browser 'Comet' on the 9th (local time). Comet uses Perplexity's AI search engine as the default to provide search results. The 'Comet Assistant,' Perplexity's AI agent, is built in to assist with everyday tasks such as browsing web pages and drafting emails and calendars. Comet is prioritized for subscribers of the 'Perplexity Max' plan, which costs $200 per month (about 275,000 won), and some waitlisted users. Hyper-personalized advertisements based on user data are expected to be introduced, and through this, Perplexity plans to create a revenue model.
OpenAI is also expected to launch an AI browser within a few weeks. According to Reuters, this AI web browser will operate in a way that allows users to converse like ChatGPT and get the necessary information directly from AI without having to click through websites. Tasks such as booking or filling out forms can also be handled within an internal chat interface. There is a high likelihood that OpenAI's AI agent, 'Operator,' will be integrated as a key function. To this end, OpenAI recruited two former Google vice presidents who were among the initial members of Google Chrome last year.
Recently, corporations in the AI field are eyeing the AI-based web browser market. They are focusing on the vast amounts of data that can be obtained through AI web browsers. Web browsers serve as key data gateways that can collect real-time data on users' search terms, visit history, and click patterns during their daily online activities. This data is utilized to enhance the performance of AI models, especially in the development of AI agents that rely on personalized data, emerging as a hub for securing data dominance. This is the reason why companies like Microsoft and Apple, despite showing low web browser market shares, do not abandon their efforts.
This has led to evaluations that Google Chrome, which has monopolized the web browser market, is also in jeopardy. According to web analytics firm StatCounter, last month, the combined global web browser market share for PC and mobile was highest for Google Chrome at 68.35%. It was followed by Apple Safari at 16.25% and Microsoft Edge at 4.96%. Currently, Chrome operates by providing personalized advertisements based on user data, which accounts for about 75% of Google's total revenue.
Legal proceedings related to Google's monopoly in the online search market are also a variable. In August last year, a U.S. court ruled that Google illegally monopolized the online search market, and in November of the same year, the U.S. Department of Justice and some states proposed that selling Chrome was necessary as a remedy for the monopoly. In response, Google proposed to change some practices that the justice department claimed were used to strengthen its influence and to open up its advertising auction bidding system. The final ruling is expected in September. In this context, OpenAI and Yahoo have expressed a strong willingness to acquire Chrome.
Choi Byung-ho, a professor at Korea University’s Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, noted, "Recently, the development of AI agents has become active; AI agents are absolutely based on web browsers. Since it is not easy to secure user data due to laws and regulations, AI corporations are launching their own AI web browser services."