Bezos-backed Perplexity AI makes surprise bid for Google Chrome

Perplexity AI, a company backed by Jeff Bezos, has made a surprise bid to acquire Google's Chrome web browser for $34.5 billion. This offer has been met with skepticism from industry experts, who view it as a publicity stunt rather than a serious bid. The proposed acquisition price is significantly lower than the estimated value of Chrome, which is considered one of Google's most valuable assets. Analysts suggest that the true worth of Chrome is much higher, given its dominant position in the web browser market and its importance to Google's broader ecosystem. The announcement has raised questions about Perplexity AI's motives and its ability to finance such a large-scale acquisition. Some have speculated that the bid may be an attempt by Perplexity AI to gain attention and raise its profile in the technology industry. Overall, the proposed acquisition of Chrome by Perplexity AI is seen as an unlikely and potentially dubious move, with many industry observers dismissing it as a publicity-seeking attempt rather than a genuine business strategy.