Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Power Play to Steal Chrome from Google!
In a dramatic twist in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google, AI startup Perplexity has doubled its offer to a staggering $34.5 billion to acquire Chrome—the world’s most-used browser with over 3.5 billion users. The move comes as a U.S. federal judge considers forcing Google to sell Chrome as part of corrective measures for alleged monopolistic practices. Backed by major investment firms, Perplexity’s proposal aims to present itself as a “serious and viable” buyer, potentially tipping the scales in the courtroom.
The offer nearly doubles the $18 billion valuation Perplexity had initially considered, signaling its aggressive intent to seize one of the most powerful internet gateways. While Google has shown no desire to part ways with Chrome voluntarily, analysts suggest the bid is as much a legal strategy as it is a business one—sending a clear message to Judge Amit Mehta that the browser has a ready buyer if a breakup is mandated.
This is a masterclass in strategic positioning. Perplexity isn’t just chasing an acquisition—it’s leveraging a legal window to target a tech giant’s crown jewel. For startups, the lesson is clear: timing can be as valuable as capital. Entering a market when incumbents are vulnerable—whether due to regulation, public perception, or shifting consumer needs—can open doors that money alone cannot.
Source: Garay, J. (2025, August 12). Perplexity duplica su oferta para comprar Chrome y ofrece 34,500 millones de dólares a Google. WIRED en Español. https://es.wired.com/articulos/perplexity-duplica-su-oferta-para-comprar-chrome-y-ofrece-34500-millones-de-dolares-a-google
AI Agents Hype Bubble: 40% of Projects Doomed to Fail by 2027
The AI agent market, once hailed as the next big leap in automation, is facing a harsh reality check. According to a new Gartner report, 40% of AI agent projects will be abandoned by the end of 2027 due to skyrocketing costs, unclear commercial value, and poor risk management. AI agents—designed to act with autonomy, make decisions, and execute tasks without human input—have struggled to deliver on the lofty promises that fueled billions in investment. Studies from Carnegie Mellon and Duke University reveal that even the most competitive agents today can only autonomously complete 30% of assigned tasks, highlighting the gap between hype and practical performance.
The report marks a significant tone shift from Gartner, which just months ago predicted AI agents could solve 80% of customer service issues by 2029. Despite widespread adoption in some industries, operational inefficiencies, lack of sustainable business models, and over-reliance on unproven technology are cooling investor enthusiasm. While generative AI has made notable progress, the road to truly autonomous, reliable AI systems appears much longer and more complex than the industry narrative suggests.
For founders, this is a powerful reminder to separate technology potential from technology readiness. Building a business around emerging tech requires rigorous validation, not just chasing trends. Investors and clients are increasingly wary of overhyped solutions that underdeliver—so focus on clear value propositions, measurable ROI, and phased rollouts that demonstrate incremental wins before scaling. Hype can open doors, but results are what keep them open.
Source: Pizzato, R. (2025, August 11). El mercado de los agentes de IA se sostiene sobre pura exageración. WIRED Italia. https://es.wired.com/articulos/el-mercado-de-los-agentes-de-ia-se-sostiene-sobre-pura-exageracion
Elon Musk Declares War on Apple: $Trillion Showdown Over ‘Rigged’ App Store Rankings
Elon Musk says his AI company xAI will “take immediate legal action” against Apple, accusing the tech giant of manipulating App Store rankings to favor rival AI apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In a late-night series of posts on X, Musk claimed that neither his platform X nor xAI’s Grok chatbot appear in Apple’s “Must Have” app section, despite high global rankings, calling it “an unequivocal antitrust violation.” Apple denies the allegations, stating the App Store is curated using “objective criteria” without bias. At present, ChatGPT holds the #1 spot among free iPhone apps in the US, with Grok sitting at #6—while historical data shows other AI apps, such as DeepSeek AI, have overtaken ChatGPT in the past, undermining Musk’s claim.
The irony wasn’t lost on critics. Musk himself has faced accusations of manipulating X’s algorithms to promote his own posts after acquiring the platform in 2022. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded by resurfacing reports of such preferential treatment, while others pointed to Grok’s “opinion-checking” behavior on political and social issues as further evidence of bias. This latest clash adds to a long-running feud between Musk, Apple, and OpenAI—marked by failed billion-dollar buyout offers, threats to ban Apple devices at Musk’s companies, and disputes over AI’s role in consumer tech.
This is a high-profile reminder that distribution power can be just as important as product quality. Whether you’re launching an app, SaaS tool, or consumer product, access to the right discovery channels—and the algorithms behind them—can make or break your growth. Entrepreneurs should diversify acquisition strategies, build loyal user bases outside of gatekeeper platforms, and avoid relying solely on third-party ecosystems where visibility is controlled by opaque, changing rules. In short: don’t build your castle on rented land.
Source: Weatherbed, J. (2025, August 12). Elon Musk says he’s suing Apple for rigging App Store rankings. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/news/757941/elon-musk-xai-apple-lawsuit-app-store
Altman vs. Musk: Battle for the Brain Begins with $850M Merge Labs!
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, is set to launch Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup valued at $850 million, aiming to rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink. With plans to raise $250 million led by OpenAI Ventures, Altman co-founds the company alongside Alex Blania of World ID fame—but will not manage day-to-day operations. The move escalates the rivalry between Altman and Musk, as both now compete not just in AI but also in the future of mind-machine integration. Merge Labs hopes to leverage recent AI advances to bring high-bandwidth brain implants into reality, accelerating humanity’s “merge” with technology.
Recent developments in the BCI sector add context: Neuralink, already in human trials, has raised $650 million at a $9 billion valuation, pushing forward medical applications for those with paralysis. Meanwhile, governments such as the UK’s ARIA and China’s Ministry of Industry are exploring BCI potential—from rehabilitation to human-AI symbiosis.
This bold move underscores a vital lesson: innovation isn’t just about building—it’s about timing and positioning. While Neuralink has advanced the frontier, Altman's Merge Labs is strategically positioning itself at the convergence of AI and neuroscience—with a powerful narrative and financial backing. Entrepreneurs launching in emerging markets should take note: pioneering not only in tech but also in storytelling, narrative framing, and strategic alignment with cultural touchpoints can differentiate you in competitive landscapes. Success may lie not just in what you build, but when and how the world catches up to your vision.
Source (APA):
Preston, D. (2025, August 13). Sam Altman’s new startup wants to merge machines and humans. The Verge (adapted from Financial Times). https://www.theverge.com/news/758577/sam-altman-merge-labs-neuralink-rival
Move Over ChatGPT — This AI Game Won’t Let You Cheat Your Way to Victory
Hidden Door, now in early access, is an AI-powered storytelling platform that blends choose-your-own-adventure gameplay with narrative boundaries. Unlike open-ended AI chatbots, Hidden Door enforces in-universe logic, preventing players from conjuring unbeatable weapons or skipping directly to an easy win. Players can explore licensed and public domain worlds like The Wizard of Oz, Pride and Prejudice, and The Crow, customizing characters and making choices guided by AI-driven scenarios and dice rolls. This design fosters a balance between player creativity and structured storytelling, avoiding the narrative chaos that often occurs with fully open AI systems.
While some players find the restrictions limiting, Hidden Door’s approach aims to preserve challenge and story coherence. It uses collectible cards for characters, locations, and plot points, creating continuity in the narrative. The platform’s hybrid of AI creativity and game-master rules may not replicate the spontaneity of live tabletop RPGs, but it promises a copyright-safe and story-rich experience where authors are actively involved in shaping the worlds.
Hidden Door is a reminder that limiting user freedom can actually improve engagement and product value. In markets flooded with AI tools offering infinite possibilities, differentiation can come from curated constraint. By focusing on structured, legally sound, and immersive experiences, Hidden Door positions itself uniquely against generic AI generators. For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: don’t compete on breadth alone—compete on depth, structure, and trustworthiness. In creative tech, sometimes less is more, especially when “less” means better storytelling, IP protection, and sustained user interest.
Source (APA):
Peters, J. (2025, August 13). Hidden Door is an AI storytelling game that actually makes sense. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/games/757816/hidden-door-early-access-ai-story