Perplexity AI has introduced a new web browser called Comet, offering a unique blend of traditional browsing and AI-powered assistance.
The browser is currently in beta and is available only to a limited group of users, including those subscribed to Perplexity’s $200/month Max plan or selected from a waitlist.
Comet is built on Chromium, the same open-source platform used by Google Chrome. However, it differentiates itself by integrating Perplexity’s AI assistant directly into the browsing experience.
This allows users to delegate tasks like booking restaurants, checking hotel availability, or searching for deals—tasks the browser can perform while users focus on other activities.
A New Way to Browse
Unlike traditional browsers, Comet is designed to handle actions for the user. For example, during a test period, one journalist asked Comet to find Michelin-star restaurants in Copenhagen, check hotel options in Japan, and search for game deals—all while continuing to work uninterrupted.
This shift represents what experts call an “agentic browser”—software that actively completes tasks rather than just providing search results. The system allows users to give detailed instructions to the AI, such as specific booking times or price ranges, and the browser handles the rest.
Productivity and Privacy Balance
Comet’s early testers noted a significant boost in productivity. By letting the AI handle time-consuming but simple online tasks, users can concentrate on work or personal projects without distraction.
However, some limitations remain. Since the browser is still in beta, users reported occasional issues with tasks crashing when the AI encounters challenges. There are also concerns about data privacy. For now, many testers are hesitant to provide personal information like credit card details or personal booking data until security and trust are better established.
The Start of a New Trend
Perplexity has not yet announced when Comet will be released to the general public. The launch comes as part of a broader shift in web technology, with several companies—including OpenAI—reportedly working on similar AI-integrated browsing tools.
These early developments suggest that AI-assisted web browsing may soon become the norm. With tech giants exploring agentic browsers, Comet marks one of the first major steps into a new era where the internet not only provides information but also acts on behalf of the user.
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