OpenAI to launch an AI-driven web browser, directly competing with Google Chrome and seeking user data access.

OpenAI is preparing to launch an AI-powered web browser aimed at competing with Google Chrome.

Sources indicate this new browser will be released in the coming weeks and intends to transform how consumers navigate the internet.

The browser could provide OpenAI with access to valuable user data, a significant asset for competing against Google, where Chrome plays a crucial role in advertising revenue.

If the browser gains traction among ChatGPT’s 500 million weekly users, it may impact Google’s advertising strategy. The design aims to maintain user interactions within a ChatGPT-like chat interface, streamlining the browsing experience.

This development is part of OpenAI’s broader initiative to integrate its AI services into daily consumer activities.

Forefront of innovation

OpenAI remains tight-lipped about the project, and the sources requested anonymity. CEO Sam Altman has been at the forefront of innovation since the launch of ChatGPT, while OpenAI seeks new growth opportunities amidst fierce competition, notably from Google and others.

The browser will harness the same open-source technology that underpins Chrome and other browsers, while OpenAI has also brought on board key talent from Google’s original Chrome development team.

In a strategic move, OpenAI opted for developing its browser over creating a plug-in, prioritising control over data collection. Google currently maintains more than two-thirds of the global browser market, posing a significant challenge for OpenAI in this new venture.

Linda Yaccarino resigns as CEO of X following merger with xAI and internal financial conflicts.

Linda Yaccarino has announced her resignation as CEO of X, following the merger with xAI. Her tenure has faced challenges, particularly after the integration of the chatbot company into X, which shifted focus towards artificial intelligence over traditional social media growth.

Investor interest has increasingly gravitated towards AI potential. Tensions arose between Yaccarino and new CFO Reza Banki, who was hired to address financial issues and originally replaced Yaccarino’s finance head.

Banki reportedly pressured her regarding spending on celebrity content. Yaccarino viewed the return of some advertisers and the revenue changes resulting from the merger as an appropriate time to step down.

Broader platform

In her post about her departure, she expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for the opportunity to lead and transform X into a broader service platform. Musk acknowledged her contributions through a social media post.

Yaccarino, who took over in 2023, dealt with initial advertiser concerns related to content moderation and Musk’s management style. Despite challenges, including threatening brands to encourage them back to the platform, she made strides in rebuilding ad relationships and fostering new advertising opportunities.

Financial improvements have been noted, with X reporting adjusted earnings growth and revenue recovery efforts reflecting progress. However, the platform continues to deal with content moderation issues, especially after recent controversial comments from the chatbot, highlighting ongoing operational challenges.

Amazon extends Prime Day to a week, aiming for higher sales and new Prime memberships amid consumer tariff concerns.

Amazon is extending Prime Day to a full week, aiming to attract more shoppers and gain new Prime members. The promotion, starting Tuesday, is projected to generate $12.9 billion in U.S. sales, a 53% increase from last year.

Previously a one-day event offering significant discounts, Prime Day has expanded, now including themed days like book day and pet day. Sales growth during Prime Day has slowed, remaining in single digits recently, prompting Amazon to innovate with discounts year-round.

Shoppers are expected to look for bargains on electronics and goods potentially affected by tariffs this year, reflecting declining consumer confidence. Brandon Fuhrmann, a third-party seller, expects to see notable sales but cannot predict demand due to the promotion’s length. He anticipates outpacing regular July sales, even toward the end of the week. The longer event increases advertising opportunities, contributing to Amazon’s growing advertising revenue, which exceeds $50 billion annually.

Many sellers plan to invest heavily in advertisements to outperform competitors during this extended period. Ryan Close, CEO of Bartesian, intends to use the event to test Amazon’s advertising tools and attract attention to his products with significant discounts.

Amazon aims to recruit new subscribers for its $139 annual Prime membership, promoting benefits like rapid shipping and streaming services.