×
Perplexity’s new Comet browser passes through cyberspace with built-in AI assistant
Written by
Published on
Join our daily newsletter for breaking news, product launches and deals, research breakdowns, and other industry-leading AI coverage
Join Now

Perplexity AI has launched Comet, its first web browser designed to challenge Google Chrome’s 68% market dominance by integrating conversational AI directly into browsing sessions. The Chromium-based browser transforms passive web searches into real-time conversations through its built-in Comet Assistant, allowing users to ask questions about any webpage without opening new tabs or switching between sites.

What makes Comet different: The browser integrates Perplexity’s conversational AI directly into every browsing session through the Comet Assistant sidebar.

  • Users can ask questions about any page they’re viewing, whether shopping for products, booking hotels, or summarizing news stories.
  • The assistant eliminates the need to bounce between sites or copy-paste search queries by providing answers within the current browsing context.
  • Built on Chromium like Chrome and Edge, but focuses on embedding AI into the browsing experience itself rather than treating search as a separate step.

Limited availability: Comet is currently restricted to Perplexity Pro Max subscribers and select testers, with broader rollout planned for summer 2025.

  • Access requires a $200/month Perplexity Pro Max subscription.
  • Desktop support for Mac and Windows will roll out first, followed by mobile apps.
  • The company expects wider availability later this summer.

Privacy promise: Comet positions itself as a privacy-focused alternative in an era of growing digital surveillance concerns.

  • No personal data is used to train AI models, according to Perplexity.
  • Browsing activity is stored locally rather than on company servers.
  • The privacy-by-design approach differentiates it from traditional browsers that collect extensive user data.

The big picture: Comet represents a fundamental shift in browser design, embedding AI agents directly into web browsing rather than keeping search separate.

  • Companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are racing to develop intelligent assistants and AI-enhanced browsers.
  • Perplexity AI, the fast-rising search startup backed by Jeff Bezos, Nvidia and SoftBank, is betting that users want integrated agents and privacy protection, not just traditional search results.
  • The browser’s success could hinge on resolving ongoing licensing disputes with major media companies and whether Chrome’s AI Overviews can retain users.
Forget Chrome — this new AI browser is changing how people search the web

Recent News

Nvidia becomes first $4T company ahead of Trump White House meeting

The chipmaker expects to miss $8 billion in Chinese sales due to export controls.

Florida schools pilot AI tutoring across 30 campuses this fall

Teachers using AI regularly save about six hours of work weekly on administrative tasks.

Apple shareholder warns Tim Cook’s departure would trigger stock sell-off

Shareholder concerns emerge as competitors outpace Apple in artificial intelligence development.