Highlights:

  • With Comet’s launch, Perplexity is entering the highly competitive web browser market, where Google Chrome remains dominant.
  • Users can enter natural language prompts to find documents, create calendar events, or ask questions, receiving clear answers instead of links like Google Search.

The generative AI search startup, which is a competitor to both Google LLC and OpenAI, Perplexity AI Inc., has announced creating AI-powered web browser.

The company first disclosed the project in a post on X, inviting users to sign up for early access upon launch. However, the launch date remains uncertain, and details about the browser are scarce. The only information shared is its name, “Comet,” and its focus on “agentic search,” seemingly referring to agentic AI.

Nevertheless, Perplexity is making bold assertions, stating that just as it revolutionized search, it is now “reinventing the browser.” The company also urged users to “stay tuned for updates.”

Founded in 2022, Perplexity developed an AI-driven search application designed to deliver real-time information. Instead of presenting a list of links, it scours the web for the latest updates and responds to users in a conversational style similar to ChatGPT.

With the launch of Comet, Perplexity is entering a highly competitive web browser market, where Google Chrome dominates. It will likely be vying for market share against major players like Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox, as well as smaller browsers from companies such as Vivaldi Technologies and Opera Norway AS. Additionally, it will face competition from Dia, another AI-native browser developed by The Browser Company Inc.

Dia, which has yet to launch, promises extensive AI integration. The company states that users will be able to enter natural language prompts into the search bar to find specific documents or webpages, create calendar events, or ask general questions—receiving clear answers rather than a list of links, as seen in Google Search.

Comet may offer similar features, though nothing has been confirmed yet. However, the mention of “agentic AI search” suggests it could be designed to carry out tasks on behalf of users, according to Sid Sharma, an AI developer at Agora Labs Inc., who shared his insights with a reputed media house.

Sharma believes the company aims to do more than just redefine search—it seeks to transform how users interact with the internet, making the experience more dynamic, predictive, and intuitive.

“What could truly make Comet stand out are features such as real-time voice interaction. Imagine if users could navigate, research and take action on the web entirely hands-free, from getting answers to questions to booking a vacation. The AI-powered web is rapidly taking shape, and Perplexity is making its move to challenge the major players in the space,” Sharma said.

Perplexity seems to be banking on attracting its existing search engine users to gain traction for its new browser. However, the browser could also serve as a strategic tool to draw users away from Google Search, especially since it’s unlikely to have Google set as its default search engine.

Regardless, this marks an interesting development. So far, most consumer AI tools have fallen into three main categories. The first includes general-purpose chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic PBC’s Claude. Another category consists of existing applications, such as Adobe Inc.’s Photoshop and Apple Inc.’s iOS, which integrate generative AI features.

Additionally, some apps aim to reinvent existing categories, such as Cursor IDE, an AI-native code editor. Perplexity’s browser seems to fit into this category, striving to redefine how users navigate the web.

The AI search company has been actively expanding its product lineup. Earlier this month, it introduced a new “deep research” feature designed to compete with similar tools from Google, OpenAI, and xAI Corp. The previous month, it launched two additional tools—an AI-powered assistant for Android and an API that enables developers to integrate its search capabilities into AI applications.

In December, Perplexity secured USD 500 million in funding at a nine-billion-dollar valuation, making significant strides in its effort to challenge Google’s dominance in internet search. The company reports processing over 100 million search queries per week.

However, the company has faced significant controversy, with several publishers accusing it of content theft in the way it generates search results. Both the New York Post and News Corp. have filed lawsuits against Perplexity, while the New York Times reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter in October.

The startup has defended itself by stating that it respects publishers’ content and has introduced a revenue-sharing program for those who prefer to collaborate rather than pursue legal action.