AI Browser War: Perplexity Goes Free, U.S. Cybersecurity Law Expires, Apple Eyes Intel Investment

Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Perplexity has made a significant move by dropping the price of its AI browser, Comet, from $200 a month to free, igniting what could be an AI browser war. This decision aims to help users navigate the overwhelming amount of low-quality online content by providing tools to summarize web pages and extract key information. A $5 monthly subscription will offer access to content from reputable media outlets, as Perplexity seeks to establish fair revenue-sharing practices with publishers. This shift comes amid ongoing legal challenges regarding content use, but the company emphasizes its commitment to high-quality sources.

The recent U.S. government shutdown has led to the expiration of the Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Act of 2015, raising concerns about the future of cybersecurity collaboration. This law provided essential protections for organizations sharing cyber threat intelligence, and its absence is expected to hinder effective incident response. Experts warn that organizations may become more cautious about sharing vital information without the legal protections previously afforded, potentially increasing the risk of cyber attacks as adversaries exploit the disruption.

In the tech industry, rumors are circulating about a potential investment deal between Apple and Intel, which raises questions about the future of the chip manufacturer. Apple, having previously transitioned away from Intel chips for its MacBooks, is now considering a collaboration that could see Intel manufacturing chips for Apple's data centers or producing Apple-designed chips. Meanwhile, Apple appears to be stepping back from its Vision Pro headset, which has not gained significant traction in the market, and is instead focusing on developing more affordable smart glasses.

Managed service providers (MSPs) are at a critical junction as AI transitions from a luxury to a necessity. A significant portion of organizations lack policies to manage AI adoption effectively, creating both risks and opportunities for service providers. As clients demand faster resolutions and strategic insights, MSPs must modernize their services and establish governance to ensure AI delivers measurable value. The podcast emphasizes the importance of embedding AI capabilities into services rather than selling it as a standalone product, urging providers to focus on delivering outcomes that clients cannot achieve elsewhere.

Four things to know today

00:00 Perplexity Makes AI Browser Comet Free, Challenging Chrome, Safari, and Edge

03:41 U.S. Shutdown Weakens Cyber Defense as Info-Sharing Law Expires, While NIST Races to Build Cyber AI Framework

07:09 Apple Rumored to Invest in Intel Amid U.S. Chip Push, While Retreating From Vision Pro in Favor of Smart Glasses

10:12 AI Is Becoming the Airline Business: Why MSPs Must Embed Capability, Not Sell Commodity

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