AI search startup Perplexity shocked the industry with an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash bid for Google’s Chrome browser—despite Chrome not being for sale. The offer comes as a US court weighs whether Google must divest Chrome after an antitrust ruling, and positions Perplexity as a ready operator if a spin-off is ordered. Even if the deal never closes, the move amplifies Perplexity’s profile, pressures Google, and underscores the growing importance of distribution channels alongside model quality in AI competition.

With a Trump-led DOJ expected to be softer on antitrust, Google is leveraging national security concerns to fend off calls for Chrome’s divestment, banking on shifting regulatory winds

Google defends against DOJ claims of ad monopoly: The giant emphasizes publisher choice and competitive ad exchanges amid trial scrutiny.

Easing antitrust efforts and AI restrictions might drive tech innovation, but deregulation could risk fairness and safety standards.

Alphabet’s Q3 beats expectations: Google’s ad dominance holds as it navigates regulatory and competitive challenges in the digital ad market.

OpenAI's leadership crisis (largely) benefits Microsoft: Turmoil likely strengthens companies’ ties, setting the stage to further augment AI innovation.

Year of the chatbot: Google’s Apprentice Bard is among many chatbots we’ll see released by the tech industry this year. Investors are excited, but performance and monetization are market hurdles.