Aravind Srinivas jabs at Google as $200 Comet browser goes free: ‘Hi Chrome!’

Perplexity AI has made a significant move by making its Comet browser available to all users, eliminating the previous $200-per-month subscription fee that restricted access to its advanced features. CEO Aravind Srinivas announced this exciting development on X, where he playfully referenced Google Chrome in his tweet, saying, "O hey hi @googlechrome," in response to a post by user Walter Bloomberg that highlighted the browser's new accessibility. The new rollout means that anyone can now download Comet, which was previously exclusive to Pro and Max subscribers. Srinivas confirmed this accessibility in a follow-up tweet, stating, "Comet is now generally available to download for everyone (free, Pro and Max users)!" In addition to this announcement, he introduced Comet Plus, a new subscription tier aimed at providing premium news content to both human users and AI systems. Major publications such as The Washington Post, CNN, Condé Nast (including The New Yorker, Wired, and Vogue), Fortune, and Le Monde have partnered with Comet Plus for its launch. Importantly, the Comet Plus subscription will be offered at no additional charge for existing Perplexity Pro and Max users. By removing the financial barrier and forming partnerships with well-known publishers, Perplexity AI is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Chrome. The Comet browser not only facilitates web browsing but also integrates AI-driven search and curated news access. Srinivas’ lighthearted jab at Google highlights the startup's ambition to establish a foothold in a market long dominated by the tech giant. The Comet browser features an AI-powered sidebar that remains accessible on any webpage, allowing users to interact with the content they're viewing. This assistant can interpret articles, clarify complex concepts, and analyze images, while also linking information across different tabs for comparative insights. Additionally, Comet can perform various tasks, such as drafting emails, scheduling meetings, making purchases, filling out forms, and navigating websites autonomously. For users looking for quick information, a one-click summarization tool is available on every page, which can condense lengthy articles, video transcripts, PDFs, or social media posts into concise summaries. Users can also opt for a voice mode that enables complete browser control through speech, facilitating seamless navigation and searches without the need for a keyboard.