The DoorDash Problem: How AI browsers are a huge threat to Amazon

Decoder with Nilay Patel

Okay, let’s talk about AI and what I’ve been calling the “DoorDash problem.” This is about to define the next battle in AI, and it might completely transform not only how you order a sandwich, but also how the entire internet economy works in general.

If you’ve been listening to the show this past year, you’ve heard me bring up the Doordash problem nearly a dozen times. I’ve been asking CEOs and leaders in tech and AI about it any chance I can get. Now, a lawsuit between Amazon and Perplexity is bringing this exact issue to the forefront, kicking off a major AI browser fight that could define the future of agents and the web itself.

Links:

• Amazon and Perplexity have kicked off the great AI web browser fight | The Verge
• Amazon sues to stop Perplexity from using AI tool to buy stuff | Bloomberg
• Amazon's Cease and Desist letter to Perplexity | Amazon
• Bullying Is not innovation | Perplexity
• Amazon gets hit by a Comet | Platformer
• Humans Only! Why Amazon doesn’t want AI shoppers | NY Mag
• Amazon vs Perplexity: the AI agent war has arrived | The Guardian
• Amazon ad revenue soars 24 percent to $17.7 billion | THR
  

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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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