Deta’s Surf app is an amalgamation of an AI browser and NotebookLM

In an exciting development in the AI landscape, Berlin and New York-based startup Deta has introduced its latest innovation, Surf, which combines the functionalities of an AI browser with a sophisticated research tool akin to Google’s NotebookLM. Now in beta, Deta Surf enables users to create organized notebooks on various topics while leveraging AI to generate concise summaries based on user prompts. The app not only functions as a browser but also allows users to surf the web, open URLs, and extract critical insights from web pages, PDFs, and YouTube videos. Users can engage with the AI chatbot by providing multiple tabs as context, facilitating deeper inquiries into the material. One of Surf's standout features is its ability to generate code, empowering users to create mini-apps, interactive graphs, or charts directly within their notebooks. This capability places it alongside other modern AI browsers like Perplexity’s Comet and The Browser Company’s Dia, which also utilize tabs for context and possess code-generation features. Founded in 2019, Deta initially aimed to develop a new operating system but pivoted to focus on AI browsing after discontinuing its previous product in 2023. Co-founder Max Eusterbrock shared insights into their journey, noting that their year-long Alpha testing revealed a need for AI browsers to serve as tools that aid human navigation rather than merely automating tasks. Eusterbrock articulated that Surf's design prioritizes user interaction, allowing edits and maintaining local data for offline access, making it particularly beneficial for students and researchers. As it stands, Deta Surf is available for free, with plans for future enhancements, including an image generation feature and potential premium subscriptions offering additional functionalities like cloud backup and collaborative tools. In 2023, Deta successfully raised $3.6 million in a seed funding round led by Crane Venture Partners, with contributions from several investors. The company has since secured an additional $500,000 in funding from both existing and new backers, signaling strong support for its innovative approach in the AI sector.