In my last post, I explored the rise of autonomous shopping and the agent economy. This month, we’re tracking the next wave: consumers spending on AI tools, the return of browser wars with AI-native browsers, and new questions about safety as chatbots act as therapists and companions. Let’s dive in.
Consumers Pay for AI Tools
Consumer Edge data reveals that consumer spending on AI tools in the first half of 2025 was up 116% over the same period the previous year, led by OpenAI and Perplexity. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro subscription revenue alone grew 1,100% year over year.
The Browser Wars Return with Native AI Browsers
AI browsers with agentic features have arrived and are starting to be able to complete complex research and shopping tasks by taking over control of your browser to get stuff done in a completely new way for consumers.
Although Gemini in Chrome, Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge have been around for a bit, new AI native browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet have been released and bring seamless agentic features to your browsing. Ask Comet to open tabs for you or navigate a complex site for you and it takes off and rapidly completes your request. Currently a waiting list still exists for Comet but you may be able to jump to the head of the line if you are a Venmo or Paypal user.
OpenAI’s announced AI browser could be released at any point and expose even more people to AI native browsers as ChatGPT has a large market share.
The Curious may also want to try the Dia browser which you can read about at Android Authority.
The AI Can See You Know
With attractive pricing (free) and ubiquitous access from anyone with a phone, consumers have been using AI chatbots to act as their therapist. Although many have found success, many headlines reveal dangers as well and this piece from Scientific American warns that even though they sound human, they are not and can easily offer suggestions that might not be in the best interest of their “patient”.
Some states are developing regulations to try to minimize harm from “AI Therapists”.
Companion for Kids Check
The FTC has launched an inquiry into how leading chatbot firms are interacting with children and teens as their companions. Chatbots have become smart enough that they sometimes replace real interactions and act as confidantes and friends and cause these young people to put too much trust in these digital “companions”. “The FTC is interested in particular on the impact of these chatbots on children and what actions companies are taking to mitigate potential negative impacts, limit or restrict children’s or teens’ use of these platforms, or comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule..
Deepfakes Persist
Deepfake video and audio continues to improve, sometimes even stumping digital savvy people in addition to older Americans who may be less skilled at detecting these fakes. CBS reports that complaints about deepfake AI videos have doubled this year.
Jennifer Rothman at Penn Law proposes that we may need copyright protections in order to help people control their own digital identities. She states: “We need to focus on protecting each of our rights to control uses of our own voices and likenesses, rather than solely focusing on how we harness as much market value from these rights as possible,”
Look for some potentially thought provoking but entertaining coverage of deepfakes with the launch of season 4 of The Morning Show. Stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon have both faced these issues in real life so it will be interesting to see how it is handled on the show.
Until next time! We hope you’ll continue to follow us here for the latest AI marketplace news roundups, and get in touch if you want to explore these updates and build solutions together.
