The Department of Justice has called a number of witnesses to testify in Google’s antitrust remedy trial, which began this week, on how the company’s monopoly on search has hindered its ability to innovate. Google banned Perplexity from being the default on Motorola phones, which is exactly the kind of anticompetitive action that landed Perplexity in hot water, according to Dmitry Shevelenko, the company’s chief business officer, who testified before the court on day three. However, given that Perplexity is a feature of Moto’s recently revealed flip phones, it would seem that there is some space in the smartphone market.
In response to questions on Wednesday, Shevelenko compared Google’s contracts for mobile integration to a “gun to your head.” He said that last year, Motorola and Perplexity, a company that bills itself as an AI search engine, expressed interest in collaborating, but the phone manufacturer was unable to break free from its Google distribution agreement, which prohibited it from using a platform that wasn’t Google Assistant.
Although Google has long demanded that Android device manufacturers integrate Assistant into their devices, the introduction of Gemini created a feeling of urgency. In an attempt to overtake ChatGPT, Google is integrating Gemini into every aspect of their ecosystem, and it may be succeeding. Some of the first phones that prominently display Gemini as the default assistant rather than Google Assistant were Motorola’s 2024 models. Perplexity apparently has no place in the arrangement since OEMs don’t want to jeopardize their Google revenue-sharing contracts.
Shevelenko said in his antitrust evidence that although default placement is crucial, it is difficult to ensure because of Google’s widespread use on phones. He compared the process of altering the default to a “jungle gym,” according to Bloomberg. Shevelenko reportedly needed to seek the company’s IT team for assistance after it took him 10 to 15 minutes to switch from Gemini to Perplexity on a Motorola phone. The idea that changing an app’s default takes fifteen minutes is a little exaggerated, even if it’s not a setting you’ll see often. Two taps into the settings, under the Default Apps menu, is where you’ll find the choice. The default assistant menu is among the top results when you search for “assistant” in the settings.
The DOJ wants to compel Google to sell Chrome, therefore Shevelenko was also questioned about it. Shevelenko acknowledged that Perplexity would be interested in purchasing the browser from Google, as stated by an OpenAI official on Monday.
All of the AI is at Motorola
During the trial, there were a few ambiguous references to Perplexity being on Motorola phones this year, but we were unaware of the exact timing. Moto has revealed a much broader range of AI functions with the release of its 2025 Razr handsets. Gemini, Copilot, Meta, and yes, Perplexity, power certain aspects of the Motorola AI experience.
Although Gemini is the most popular assistant app by default, other companies have infiltrated certain sections of the program. The Perplexity app will be pre-installed on the new Razrs. Additionally, owners will get three Perplexity Pro months for free. Although it won’t be shown prominently on the phone, this is the first time Perplexity has a distribution agreement for smartphones. A Motorola gadget will still seem to be a Google playground when you turn it on.
During the trial, there were a few ambiguous references to Perplexity being on Motorola phones this year, but we were unaware of the exact timing. Moto has revealed a much broader range of AI functions with the release of its 2025 Razr handsets. Gemini, Copilot, Meta, and yes, Perplexity, power certain aspects of the Motorola AI experience.
Although Gemini is the most popular assistant app by default, other companies have infiltrated certain sections of the program. The Perplexity app will be pre-installed on the new Razrs. Additionally, owners will get three Perplexity Pro months for free. Although it won’t be shown prominently on the phone, this is the first time Perplexity has a distribution agreement for smartphones. A Motorola gadget will still seem to be a Google playground when you turn it on.
Disclaimer :
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is based on publicly reported events, testimonies, and statements from various parties. It does not constitute legal advice or an official position by any of the companies or individuals mentioned. All company names, trademarks, and product references are the property of their respective owners. Readers are encouraged to refer to official sources and legal proceedings for the most accurate and up-to-date information.