Just days after launching Comet, an ambitious AI- embedded browser, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas strongly criticized Google for controlling the Android browser experience.
According to Mr. Aravind Srinivas, the default pre-implementation and activation of Google Chrome on most Android devices is hindering fair competition and limiting user selection.
Mr. Srinivas emphasized that Android users should have the default browser option when setting up the device, instead of being forced to use Chrome.
He suggested a clear browser option screen, displaying options like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave and Comet, Perplexity's new browser.
The interface simulation image he shared reminded many people of the "processor voucher" used by the European Union on Windows, in a famous antitrust case with Microsoft.
The time of speech was not by chance. Perplexity, a leading company in the field of AI search, has just announced Comet as a platform that combines web browsing and smart search in the direction of dialogue.
Comet is oriented not just as a browser, but as an integrated search assistant, directly challenging the traditional operating style dominated by Chrome.
However, according to Mr. Srinivas, no matter how creative the new browsers are, it will be difficult to reach Android users as Chrome is always the default choice.
This is an environment that is opposed to choice, Mr. Srinivas commented.
Google has long been accused of using Android to strengthen its ecosystem, from Google Search to Play Store and Chrome.
Despite having to make adjustments in Europe due to pressure from antitrust agencies, in many other regions, Google products have maintained their advantage since users have started the device.
Srinivas' call reflects a bigger question in the AI era: Who will control users' personal portals? As browsers are increasingly associated with artificial intelligence and personalization, choosing a web access tool will not only be a matter of habit, but also the right to self-determination about how to interact with technology.
Comet is still in the early stages of development, but the warning from CEO Perplexity has fueled a new debate about fairness, transparency and healthy competition in a rapidly changing technology world.
