Forward-looking: OpenAI is going after Google in a big way. After the artificial intelligence giant launched its own search engine earlier this month, the company is now considering releasing a web browser. The product would combine with ChatGPT to create a browser that could eventually challenge the dominance Google's Chrome has enjoyed for so many years.
OpenAI has already had discussions about its browser with app developers and websites, including Conde Nast, Redfin, Eventbrite, and Priceline, reports The Information, which cites people who have seen prototypes or designs of the product. The partnerships could improve ChatGPT's answers to questions related to the markets they target, the report said.
A source who has seen the browser said it is called NLWeb, or Natural Language Web. It will, of course, feature tight integration with OpenAI's suite of artificial intelligence products.
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On November 1, OpenAI launched its ChatGPT Search service. The company says it offers fast and timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for. It blends a natural language interface with up-to-date information and promises better responses to queries that might normally require multiple searches and trawling through several pages.
OpenAI has a partnership with Apple that includes ChatGPT being incorporated into Cupertino's Apple Intelligence tools. The report claims that Sam Altman's firm has also been in discussions with Samsung – a key business partner of Google – to bring its AI features to the Korean giant's many devices.
Sources say OpenAI is still a long way off launching its own browser. However, the company hired two key Google Chrome developers this year, including Ben Goodger, one of the founding members of the Chrome team.
Google dominates the global search engine market with a 90% share, while second-place Bing has just over 4%. Chrome, meanwhile, holds a 66% share of the global browser market, more than three times that of second-place Safari.
News that OpenAI could soon be competing with Google in both its search and browser businesses could be well-timed for the startup. The US Department of Justice this week said it wants Google to sell off Chrome to prevent the tech giant from maintaining its monopoly in online search.
OpenAI is considering launching its own browser to challenge Google
