[AI Hanip News] OpenAI Eyes Chrome's Throne... Shaking Up Google's Domain

OpenAI Eyes Beyond AI Search to Challenge Google Kingdom
Considering Web Browser Development... Possible Chrome Acquisition
Love Call to 'Google Ally' Samsung Electronics

OpenAI is eyeing not only the search engine, Google’s stronghold, but also web browsers. There are signs of a new alliance with Samsung Electronics, a key partner in the Google Android camp. As Google faces the possibility of selling Chrome, OpenAI appears to be threatening Google’s kingdom in search, web browsers, and mobile sectors.

On the 21st (local time), IT media outlet The Information reported that OpenAI has recruited two core developers of Google Chrome to develop a web browser combined with a chatbot. Citing people who have seen the web browser prototype, it was said to focus on search functions for travel, food, real estate, and retail websites. To this end, it is known that discussions have been held with related platform companies such as media company Cond? Nast, real estate brokerage platform Redfin, and travel platform Priceline.

That’s not all. There are also reports that OpenAI is discussing embedding artificial intelligence (AI) features into Samsung Electronics devices. If the two companies join forces, integrating ChatGPT into Samsung Galaxy AI is a likely plan?similar to how ChatGPT was linked with Apple Intelligence, the AI system introduced on the iPhone.

From developing a web browser to seeking a partnership with Samsung Electronics, this can be seen as a direct challenge to Google. For Google, the web browser is the 'home base' that dominates the search and advertising markets, and Samsung Electronics is a survival partner in the mobile era.

Let’s look at the web browser first. According to web traffic analysis site StatCounter, the global market share leader is Google’s Chrome (66%). That means two out of three people use Chrome. This far surpasses Apple Safari (18%) and Microsoft (MS) Edge (5%).

Google dominates the search market through Chrome. Google’s search market share reaches 90%, and most searches are conducted via Chrome. Google’s AI service Gemini is also integrated into Chrome. It serves as a gateway connecting users to Google’s main services. The user data collected through Chrome is combined with search advertising to generate massive revenue. In this situation, if OpenAI emerges as a competitor in the web browser market, Google’s position could weaken.

The collaboration with Samsung Electronics is similar. To counter Apple, which has secured both the mobile device iPhone and the operating system (OS) iOS, Google formed the Android camp, with Samsung Electronics at its core. The alliance between the two companies continues to this day. Google’s AI search features like 'Circle to Search' and Gemini are embedded in the Galaxy series. If OpenAI takes over or partially replaces this position, cracks could appear in the Android ecosystem.

This is not the first time OpenAI has eyed Google’s stronghold. In fact, the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 was an event that shook the foundation of search. Going further, OpenAI integrated ChatGPT into Microsoft Bing and launched its own search engine, 'Search GPT,' targeting the search market dominated by Google. Through the 'GPT Store,' where anyone can buy and sell AI chatbots, OpenAI aimed to create an AI app store similar to Google Play Store. It has been shaking up the ecosystem one step at a time to shift the center of gravity to AI on the web and mobile.

The web browser development follows this trend. OpenAI is preparing an AI agent (assistant) codenamed 'Operator,' targeting January next year. It is expected to take the form of a universal tool that executes tasks within the web browser. This is because it is convenient to link with the web browser when searching for data on a PC and using various tools such as software (SW) to handle different tasks.

OpenAI’s provocation is even more striking in contrast to Google’s current situation. The U.S. Department of Justice has demanded the sale of Chrome, citing Google’s illegal monopoly in the search market. If this demand materializes, OpenAI could emerge as a strong buyer. Amazon and Meta are also mentioned as candidates, but they are also facing antitrust investigations, making it difficult for them to step forward readily.