Perplexity, the AI search company, has released its AI-powered web browser, Comet, to the public free of charge. Previously available only to subscribers of Perplexity Max and Pro, Comet now offers anyone access to an AI assistant integrated directly into browsing.
How Comet Differs from Traditional Browsers
Comet isn’t just another browser. It includes a built-in AI that can answer questions about the current webpage and perform actions on it. This means the AI can click links, fill out forms, or complete tasks for the user – a feature Perplexity calls “agentic capabilities.” Early users asked questions that weren’t typical web searches, suggesting a shift in how people interact with information online.
Expanding Capabilities
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas previewed a mobile version of Comet at an event in San Francisco, highlighting its ability to handle tasks autonomously. The company is also expanding Comet Plus with new AI assistants and publisher partnerships.
The AI Browser Race
Perplexity’s move comes as other tech giants compete in the same space. OpenAI and Anthropic previously released extensions for Chrome (ChatGPT Search, Claude), while Microsoft launched Copilot Mode in Edge. Google recently introduced Gemini in Chrome for its AI Pro subscribers. All these tools aim to bring AI assistance directly into the browsing experience.
Why This Matters
Google currently dominates the browser market with 72% global share. This dominance allows Google to collect vast amounts of user data, which it leverages to improve its search algorithms and advertising revenue. The company’s market position is so strong that a federal court ruled it an illegal monopoly. While the Department of Justice considered forcing Google to sell off Chrome, the judge opted for alternative remedies.
The release of Comet, and the broader competition in AI browsers, is more than just a tech race: it’s a battle for control over how people access and interact with information online.
What’s Next
OpenAI is rumored to be developing its own AI browser, likely powered by its Operator AI agent. The competition will likely continue as companies seek to integrate AI more deeply into everyday web browsing.
The release of Comet marks a new stage in the evolution of web browsers, where AI is no longer an addition but a core feature. This shift could fundamentally change how we search, consume, and interact with the internet.
