The primary source of data used to target Google advertisers is Alphabet’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chrome browser. Its desktop market share is 66%. Its mobile share is slightly higher. AI software market leader OpenAI plans to launch a browser of its own. If it gets enough adoption, it could cut into Google’s revenue sharply.
Key Points
OpenAI Wants To Challenge Google In Search
It Is Not Clear How OpenAI Gets Market Share
Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire. (sponsored)
Although it is unclear what level of market share OpenAI would need to have to challenge Chrome, Reuters claims Open AI need to get 500 million users to be a force in the browser segment
For Google, Chrome is the product that gets many of its search features and other products like Gmail and its AI product Gemini onto desktops and wireless devices. Google’s advertising business is about two thirds of parent Alphabet’s revenue. The AI threat is among the reasons Alphabet’s stock is down 7% while the S&P 500 is up 7%.
However, Alphabet has a greater problem than AI competition today. The Justice Department is asking that it be broken into pieces. Its argument is that Chrome’s market share gives Google a monopolist’s position. Alphabet’s search market share at over 90%. According to The Wall Street Journal, “In the span of a year in the U.S., federal courts have judged Google a search-engine monopolist and an ad-software monopolist.”
What is unclear is what a lead in the AI business means in terms of dollars. OpenAI’s annual revenue run rate is $10 billion. No other competition comes close based on this yardstick. Alphabet’s revenue last year was $350 billion. A Bloomberg analysis shows OpenAI can’t be cash flow positive until its revenue reaches $125 billion.
The metrics for downloads and profit among AI software products is a mess. Development of products are still in early stages. Huge numbers of people use AI, but it could be years before it becomes clear that it is an essential part of most people’s lives and the profitability of large numbers of businesses.
Finally, Google has one advantage, and that is its brand equity. Many people who want to use the internet to get information will probably not break the Google habit for a long time
Most People Don’t Realize How Cheap Money Is Right Now (sponsor)
Millions of Americans have missed the best money opportunity right under their noses. Personal loan ares are shockingly affordable today, and can be a secret weapon for that home improvement project, paying off a credit card, or covering an unexpected emergency.
With rates starting at just 6.40% APR, frankly it’d be crazy to not consider one. It’s the smart time to take action. Compare top loan offers in under 2 minutes—with zero impact on your credit score—and get matched with lenders ready to help you move forward.
See Your Loan Options Now
The post Google’s Future Could Be In Trouble Due To OpenAI Browser appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
