**Google’s Contracts Hinder Perplexity AI’s Default Assistant Status**
In a recent antitrust trial against Google, Perplexity AI’s Chief Business Officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, revealed that Google’s contract with Lenovo’s Motorola has prevented the smartphone manufacturer from designating Perplexity AI as the default assistant on its new devices. Shevelenko testified that Google’s agreements create significant barriers for companies, likening them to a “gun to your head.” This statement was made during a hearing focused on remedies in the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Google, which found the tech giant to have an illegal monopoly in the search market.
Shevelenko explained that despite both parties’ interest in making Perplexity the default assistant, Motorola is unable to fulfill this due to its obligations to Google. Instead, Perplexity’s app will be preloaded on new devices but will not be visible on the home screen upon user login. Currently, Perplexity has one agreement for pre-installation on a device and is negotiating another, although specific companies were not disclosed. Earlier in the week, a Google executive indicated that Motorola plans to incorporate Perplexity into its phones later this year, and discussions with Samsung Electronics are also underway.
Last year, Judge Amit Mehta determined that Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market by incentivizing smartphone manufacturers, wireless carriers, and browsers to ensure its search engine remains the default option. The Justice Department is seeking a ban on Google’s practice of paying for search engine defaults, which would also extend to its AI products, including Gemini. The DOJ and several U.S. states have suggested that Google should divest its popular Chrome web browser.
Shevelenko noted that he dedicates a significant portion of his time—approximately 75%—to forging partnerships with carriers and manufacturers to distribute Perplexity’s app. He described the process of changing the default assistant on Android devices as a challenging endeavor, requiring assistance from IT personnel. He emphasized the need for manufacturers and carriers to be freed from the constraints imposed by Google’s contracts, which he claims threaten their revenue streams. Shevelenko asserted that without these partnerships, Perplexity’s growth would not have been possible.
**FAQ**
*Why is Perplexity AI unable to become the default assistant on Motorola devices?*
Perplexity AI cannot be the default assistant on Motorola devices due to Google’s contractual obligations, which restrict Motorola’s ability to change the default settings on their smartphones.
