OpenAI is reportedly close to releasing an AI-powered web browser that would compete directly with Google Chrome. According to a Reuters article by Kenrick Cai, which cites three people familiar with the matter, the browser is scheduled to launch in the coming weeks. The product aims to fundamentally change how people interact with the web by integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into the browsing experience.
The browser is designed to enable AI “agents” that can perform tasks on a user’s behalf, such as booking reservations or automatically filling out forms. According to the sources, some interactions would take place within a native chat interface, similar to ChatGPT, rather than requiring users to click through websites.
A key strategic goal for OpenAI is to gain direct access to user web activity. This data is essential for training AI models and could disrupt Google’s lucrative advertising business, which relies heavily on information gathered through its dominant Chrome browser.
The report notes that OpenAI’s browser is built on Chromium, the same open-source platform that powers Google Chrome. The company has also hired former senior developers from Google’s Chrome team. While challenging Chrome’s market share of over two-thirds will be a significant hurdle, OpenAI could leverage its large ChatGPT user base. Other companies, including Perplexity and Brave, have also launched browsers with integrated AI features.