Perplexity has launched its first AI-powered web browser, called Comet, aiming to challenge Google Search as the primary avenue for finding information online. Available initially to subscribers of Perplexity’s Max plan and a select group of invitees, Comet features the company’s AI search engine pre-installed and set as the default.
Users can access Comet Assistant, an AI agent that automates routine tasks such as summarizing emails and calendar events, managing tabs, and navigating web pages. This sidecar feature allows users to ask questions about web pages without opening a new window or copying text. Comet Assistant was able to answer questions about social media posts, YouTube videos, and written sentences in Google Docs.
However, access to this feature requires significant permission from the user’s account, raising concerns over data security. While Comet Assistant performed reasonably well on tasks like summarizing emails, it struggled with more complex requests, such as booking a parking spot at San Francisco’s airport.
Comet enters a crowded browser market, with Google Chrome and Apple’s Safari dominating the space. The Browser Company launched an AI-powered browser called Dia in June, while OpenAI is reportedly considering its own browser launch. Perplexity’s CEO believes Comet can help users directly, avoiding the need to go through Google Chrome.
The browser’s success will depend on convincing users to switch from Google Search and other browsers. Despite initial challenges with complex tasks, Comet offers new capabilities that may give Perplexity an edge in the modern browser wars.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/09/perplexity-launches-comet-an-ai-powered-web-browser