How much does Chrome cost?

The world's most popular internet browser could be worth tens of billions of dollars. Photo: Shutterstock .

In an antitrust trial in which Google is the defendant, the Chrome web browser is at the center of a heated debate about the future of Internet search and competition.

In his testimony, DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg said that Chrome could be sold for up to $50 billion if regulators force Google to divest the popular browser.

In principle, the search engine with the happy duck icon DuckDuckGo is a rival to Google but is much smaller in scale.

Weinberg described his estimate as “conjectural,” based on Chrome’s large user base and global reach. It also exceeds previous estimates, such as the $20 billion valuation given by Bloomberg analyst Mandeep Singh last November.

“That price is out of DuckDuckGo's pricing range,” Weinberg said.

However, he confirmed that DuckDuckGo would be interested in acquiring Chrome if cost wasn't a barrier, emphasizing the browser's strategic value in the search ecosystem.

The trial, presided over by Judge Amit Mehta, follows an earlier ruling that found Google illegally maintained its search monopoly — in part through default agreements and preferential payments to partners like Apple.

The US Justice Department, along with a coalition of states, is asking for possible remedies, including forcing Google to sell Chrome to promote greater competition in the search market.

Interest in Chrome isn't limited to DuckDuckGo. Top executives from OpenAI and Perplexity have also expressed interest in acquiring the browser if a court forces Google to sell.

OpenAI is interested in acquiring Chrome. Photo: TechSpot.

Nick Turley, Head of Product at OpenAI, argues that deep integration between Chrome and OpenAI's technology could create a more seamless AI experience for users.

He revealed that OpenAI had approached Google, proposing a partnership to support ChatGPT with Google's search API, but the request was rejected last August. As a result, OpenAI relies on Bing to provide search results on the Internet.

Perplexity's chief business officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, agrees, saying the company would enter into a distribution deal or even acquire Chrome if the browser were independent of Google.

Shevelenko describes the difficulties small companies face in competing with Google's entrenched distribution channels and revenue-sharing agreements, which he says are the "root causes" of the giant's dominance.

A final decision has not been made, and Chrome's future remains uncertain. Google is not offering Chrome for sale voluntarily and is expected to appeal any ruling that requires it to be divested.

The results could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in internet search, digital advertising and the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Source: https://znews.vn/chrome-gia-bao-nhieu-post1548813.html