Perplexity has launched its first AI-powered web browser, Comet. Unveiled on July 9 (local time), the browser can answer complex questions via voice or text, and connects to business applications like Slack. It is currently available to subscribers of Perplexity Max, its premium plan that costs $200 per month.
Unlike traditional web search methods, Comet reduces the tab- and link-centric navigation environment and provides a simple interface centered on AI-generated responses. Users can check summarized search results through 'Perplexity Search', which is built into the Comet browser, and 'Comet Assistant', an AI secretary, is located on the side of the web page to read the contents of the page, answer questions, summarize emails, manage calendars, and purchase products.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas introduced Comet as “a tool that turns the entire browsing experience into a single, organic interaction,” and revealed the long-term goal of developing it into an “operating system” that helps users navigate across applications and websites. Taking aim at Google’s monopoly, he said, “With Comet, we’re going to allow users to access Perplexity directly without Chrome.”
Comet is built on Google’s open source browser project Chromium and is initially available for Windows and Mac. You can also import extensions and bookmarks from your existing browser with a single click.
Perplexity recorded 780 million searches in May this year, showing a monthly growth rate of 20%, and is expanding its influence by collaborating with Motorola to install its AI on smartphones. It is also leaving open the possibility of acquiring the Chrome browser in the wake of Google's antitrust trial, showing the possibility of emerging as an important player in the future browser war.
