Perplexity has launched Comet, its first AI-powered web browser, aiming to compete with Google Search as a primary tool for finding information online. Initially, Comet is available to subscribers of Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max plan and select invitees from a waitlist. The browser features Perplexity’s AI search engine as the default, emphasizing AI-generated summaries of search results.
Key Features of Comet
- Comet Assistant: An AI agent integrated into the browser that automates routine tasks such as summarizing emails and calendar events, managing tabs, and navigating web pages. It operates through a sidecar interface that can analyze and answer questions about the content on any web page.
- AI Search Engine: Pre-installed and set as default, it provides summarized search results to enhance user experience.
Vision and Philosophy
Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, highlights Comet as a crucial step in challenging Google. The browser is designed to nurture curiosity by transforming the web into a tool that helps users connect ideas, move faster, and maintain momentum in their research and tasks. Comet aims to simplify complex tasks and solve problems by learning how users think, collaborating in research, and organizing digital life to prevent users from losing track of tabs or inspiration.
Core Values and User Benefits
- Personal: Comet adapts to individual thinking styles, assists in research, and organizes digital content.
- Powerful: It offers Perplexity’s AI capabilities on every visited site, enabling understanding of content in any language or perspective, and supports tasks like summarizing, shopping, scheduling, and sending.
- Productive: The browser helps users maintain focus without switching tabs, saving time by automating note-taking, inbox analysis, and meeting preparation.
Comet is positioned as a personalized, intelligent browsing experience that evolves with the user, prioritizing privacy and usability to make online interactions smoother and more efficient.