Motorola is making headlines ahead of its much-anticipated smartphone launch event on April 24, with reports suggesting that the upcoming Razr 60 series and Edge 60 Pro could come pre-installed with artificial intelligence apps from Perplexity and Microsoft. These developments come as part of broader revelations from the ongoing antitrust trial in the US involving Google’s practices in the search and AI markets.
AI Integration
According to Bloomberg, a Google executive has testified that Motorola’s upcoming smartphones will include AI-powered apps from Perplexity and Microsoft right out of the box. This would mark a shift for Motorola, which traditionally leaned more heavily on Google’s native services like Assistant and other built-in Android features.
The news comes shortly before Motorola’s launch event where the brand is expected to unveil the foldable Razr 60 series and the premium Edge 60 Pro. If the claims are accurate, these devices could be among the first from Motorola to feature AI assistants not developed by Google — potentially offering users a choice between different generative AI tools on their devices.
Antitrust Case Context
These revelations were made during testimony in the US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google. The trial, which started in early 2023, accuses Google of monopolising the online search market. A major focus of the case is Google’s financial arrangements with other tech giants, including Apple, to remain the default search engine on devices.
In this context, Google’s Vice President for Global Partnerships, Platforms & Devices, Peter Fitzgerald, testified that the company does not block phone makers from installing or even promoting alternative AI services. He reportedly emphasized that Google’s contracts with Android manufacturers don’t prohibit the use of other voice assistants or AI tools, such as those from Microsoft or Perplexity.
Google also submitted letters in court that clarify its agreements allow device makers to include third-party AI services if they choose.
Perplexity AI Assistant
Just last week, reports surfaced that Perplexity has struck a deal with Motorola to integrate its generative AI assistant into upcoming phones. While the deal’s finer details are still unclear, it hints at a growing trend of smartphone brands looking to diversify their AI offerings. Whether Perplexity’s assistant or Microsoft’s Copilot can be set as the default remains to be seen, as it likely depends on regional regulations and user preferences.
Still, their presence as pre-installed apps would be a big step forward in terms of giving users more AI choices on their phones — a shift that could become more common across Android smartphones in the coming years.
AI Competition Heating Up
Interestingly, Fitzgerald also mentioned that Samsung is exploring similar arrangements. The South Korean brand is said to be in talks with multiple AI firms, possibly to bring third-party assistants to its devices too. This would signal a broader industry trend where smartphone makers are no longer sticking with just one AI platform but are instead offering a blend of options.
As more companies like Perplexity and Microsoft step up their generative AI game, Apple and Google may face stiffer competition — not just in software and services but also in device-level integration.
What to Expect Next
Motorola’s event on April 24 will likely shed more light on how these AI services will be integrated. Whether the new Razr 60 series and Edge 60 Pro will allow users to set Perplexity or Microsoft’s assistant as their primary AI companion or whether they’ll remain secondary to Google Assistant is still unclear.
But one thing is certain — Motorola’s move could mark a turning point for Android device AI flexibility, and it might push other brands to follow suit.
FAQs
Will Motorola phones have Perplexity AI?
Yes, upcoming models may include Perplexity’s AI assistant.
Are Microsoft AI apps coming to Motorola?
Yes, Motorola devices will reportedly include Microsoft AI apps.
Is Google blocking other AI apps on Android?
No, Google says it allows manufacturers to include other AI apps.
Which Motorola phones will get the AI apps?
The Razr 60 series and Edge 60 Pro are expected to include them.
When is Motorola launching the new phones?
Motorola’s event is scheduled for April 24.
