Arvind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, criticized Google's AI assistant, calling it weak and suggesting Google doesn't want them to succeed. He highlighted the emergence of newer companies offering superior AI technologies and alternatives.
In the burgeoning generative AI landscape, startup Perplexity AI has garnered significant attention due to its innovative technology and ambitious goals. Recently, CEO Arvind Srinivas sharply criticized Google's AI rollout, particularly its AI assistant product. This underscores the intensifying competition in the AI sector among major tech giants.
Perplexity AI: A New Vision, A New Challenge
Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI claims to revolutionize internet search. Leveraging generative AI, the company focuses on providing users with accurate, reliable, and ad-free comprehensive answers. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity AI provides answers with source citations, enhancing user trust and credibility.
According to Bloomberg News, Perplexity AI is currently in talks for a new funding round with a valuation of $14 billion (approximately ₹1,20,036 crore), reflecting the startup's rapid growth and ambition.
Sharp Criticism of Google's AI Assistant
At the recent Bloomberg Technology Summit 2025 in San Francisco, Arvind Srinivas heavily criticized Google's AI assistant, labeling it a "terrible product." He stated that Google introduces new AI features annually but fails to effectively deliver them to consumers.
He argued, "Google reiterates the same old AI features year after year, but users don't get access to them. This strategy stifles technological progress."
Competition and Barriers to Partnerships with Google
Srinivas also alleged that Google has significantly hindered Perplexity's efforts to partner with smartphone manufacturers. He stated, "Google has put us in a difficult situation. They definitely don't want us to succeed."
While he didn't elaborate on Google's specific actions, this statement reveals the aggressive approach large tech companies are taking regarding competition.
Potential Alliance with Samsung
Perplexity AI has initiated discussions to integrate its technology into Samsung devices. If successful, this deal could reduce Samsung's reliance on Google's AI software.
This partnership would not only represent a significant business opportunity for Perplexity but could also reshape the AI landscape within the tech industry.
Perplexity's Future: The 'Accuracy Layer' of AI
Perplexity AI's CEO believes his company could reach a trillion-dollar valuation in the future. He stated, "Trillions of dollars of decisions are made daily in retail, finance, stock markets, and exchanges worldwide. If Perplexity can bring accuracy and reliability to those decisions, we can carve a significant market share."
He further claims that Perplexity will revolutionize how internet searches are conducted in the coming years, emerging as a new layer of AI.
The Battle for Innovation Against Google
With Alphabet, Google's parent company, boasting a market capitalization of approximately $2 trillion (roughly ₹1,71,46,810 crore), Perplexity's challenge is a bold undertaking.
This battle is not merely about market share but also about the future of the internet and the advancement of AI technology. Perplexity's challenge demonstrates that innovation and novel ideas are always welcome in the tech world, even when facing established giants.
Potential for Transformation in AI Technology
The emergence of companies like Perplexity in the AI technology sector promises significant change. While large tech giants like Google sometimes remain entrenched in older, established methods, these young startups are rapidly advancing through experimentation and innovation. This is expected to result in new features and improved services in AI-based search and assistant technologies. Ultimately, users will benefit from increased choice, enhanced experiences, and faster technological improvements, better addressing their online needs.
