Perplexity AI has launched its Comet browser, now available for free worldwide, aiming to attract users from established competitors like Google Chrome.
Perplexity AI has announced the global launch of its AI-powered web browser, Comet, which is now available to users at no cost. This innovative browser is designed to function as a personal assistant, enhancing research, productivity, and automation capabilities.
Initially introduced in July to Perplexity Max subscribers at a monthly fee of $200, Comet has since attracted a waitlist of millions. By making the browser free, Perplexity aims to expand its user base and compete with established players in the market, including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, all of which have developed their own AI-driven browsing solutions.
Earlier this year, OpenAI launched Operator, an AI agent capable of performing tasks within a web browser. In August, Anthropic unveiled its browser-based AI assistant, while Google integrated its Gemini AI into Chrome in September. Additionally, Perplexity made headlines in August with an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid for Google’s Chrome browser, further emphasizing its ambition in the competitive landscape.
Perplexity is best known for its AI-driven search engine, which delivers concise answers and links to original sources. Following accusations of content copying from various media outlets, the company introduced a revenue-sharing program with publishers last year to address these concerns.
In August, Perplexity also launched Comet Plus, a subscription service that offers users content from reputable publishers and journalists. Initial publishing partners for this service include major names such as CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde, and Le Figaro.
Looking ahead, Perplexity has announced that it is developing additional features for Comet, including a mobile version and a tool called Background Assistant. This tool is designed to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and operate asynchronously, enhancing the user experience.
Comet is being marketed as more than just a traditional search engine. It aims to provide a research-oriented, AI-powered platform that boosts productivity. The browser includes tools for conducting research, automating tasks, and summarizing information, positioning itself as a comprehensive assistant for users.
In contrast, Google Chrome remains a general-purpose browser, although it has increasingly integrated AI features. While Chrome now utilizes the capabilities of Google’s Gemini AI to enhance the browsing experience, its primary function—retrieving information through traditional search engines—remains unchanged. AI serves as a complementary layer rather than a replacement for its core functionality.
Chrome is designed to deliver a traditional web browsing experience, focusing on speed and stability. Although it has gradually incorporated AI features, its historical emphasis has been on general usability. Comet, on the other hand, employs a workspace model with an AI-powered sidebar, creating a more specialized environment for research, content creation, and professional workflows. While Chrome’s tab-based interface caters to a broad audience, Comet specifically targets users seeking an AI-driven productivity platform.
As the competition in the AI-powered browser market intensifies, Perplexity’s decision to offer Comet for free could significantly reshape user preferences and behaviors, particularly among those currently using Google Chrome.
Source: Original article