Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing competition between Google and Microsoft in the AI-enhanced browser market, highlighting Google's funding of the Browser Choice Alliance to counter Microsoft's promotion of its Edge browser through its Windows operating system [2][3]. Group 1: AI Competition Landscape - The desktop and laptop computers remain essential tools for work, making them a new battleground for AI competition, with a focus on browser innovation [4][5]. - New players like The Browser Company and Perplexity are emerging in the browser market, with OpenAI reportedly developing its own browser [5]. - Microsoft's recent AI upgrade to Edge, featuring the CoPilot assistant, aims to transform it into a powerful AI interaction center rather than just a web browsing tool [5]. Group 2: Browser Choice Alliance's Actions - The Browser Choice Alliance, which includes Google, Opera, and Vivaldi, is collecting evidence against Microsoft for unfair competition practices [6][7]. - Allegations include Microsoft's use of "dark patterns" to manipulate users into setting Edge as their default browser and unnecessary security warnings when downloading alternative browsers [7][8]. - The alliance aims to raise public awareness in the U.S. and has already lobbied European regulators regarding Microsoft's compliance with competition laws [8]. Group 3: Microsoft's Defense - Microsoft counters the allegations by stating that Google is the dominant player in the browser market, holding a 68% share compared to Edge's 5% [9][10]. - Microsoft emphasizes that Google has previously been found guilty of abusing its market position, suggesting that the complaints from Google may be hypocritical but still valid [10]. - The article suggests that regulatory bodies should focus on Microsoft's influence in shaping consumer behavior in the AI era, advocating for fair competition in the browser market [10].
抢夺AI时代用户入口!谷歌、微软上演“浏览器之战”