Perplexity launches Comet, an AI-powered web browser

On Wednesday, Perplexity introduced Comet, its inaugural AI-powered web browser, signaling a bold step in its quest to rival Google Search as the go-to platform for online information retrieval. Initially, Comet will be accessible to subscribers of Perplexity's premium $200-per-month Max plan, alongside a select group of waitlist invitees. The standout feature of Comet is its integrated AI search engine, pre-installed and set as the default option, highlighting Perplexity's innovative AI-generated summaries of search results. Additionally, users will benefit from Comet Assistant, a new AI tool embedded within the browser designed to facilitate everyday tasks. This assistant can summarize emails, manage calendar events, organize tabs, and even navigate web pages on behalf of users, offering a hands-free experience. Users can interact with Comet Assistant by opening a sidecar on any webpage, allowing the AI to understand the content and respond to queries. Comet's launch is particularly significant for Perplexity, as CEO Aravind Srinivas has emphasized its potential in the company's ongoing competition against Google. With Comet, Perplexity aims to directly engage users, bypassing the widely-used Google Chrome. As the AI browser landscape evolves, Google has been integrating AI features into Chrome, showcasing the industry's shift toward intelligent browsing. Srinivas articulated a vision for Comet that transcends mere browsing, aspiring to create an operating system where users can accomplish a multitude of tasks seamlessly. He believes that becoming the default browser could lead to unparalleled user retention, which would, in turn, drive more search requests to Perplexity. However, Comet enters a competitive market dominated by Google Chrome and Apple’s Safari. The Browser Company has also launched Dia, an AI browser with similar functionalities, while OpenAI is reportedly exploring its own browser to contend with Google. For Comet to gain traction, a significant portion of Perplexity's existing user base will need to adopt the new browser. The company reported 780 million queries in May 2025, with a monthly growth rate exceeding 20% for its search products. While challenging Google Search is a formidable task, launching a proprietary browser is a strategic move. The Comet Assistant stands out with its practical applications, though it does have limitations. During testing, the AI was effective for straightforward tasks but struggled with more complicated requests. Accessing Comet Assistant requires a notable level of permission, which can be concerning for users. Despite some shortcomings, such as providing inaccurate information during complex tasks, Comet Assistant has proven to be a valuable tool for summarizing information and assisting with scheduling. Nevertheless, issues like inaccurate data entry highlight the ongoing challenges AI remains to overcome. In summary, Comet introduces innovative features that could position Perplexity favorably in the competitive browser landscape, even as it contends with the challenges of user adoption and the limitations of current AI technology.