Comet, a new AI-powered browser developed by Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI, aims to disrupt the browser market dominated by Google Chrome. It integrates an AI assistant that allows users to ask questions, perform tasks, and conduct research within a unified interface. This assistant can perform functions such as comparing products, summarizing content, booking meetings, and simplifying complex workflows.
Google Chrome currently holds a significant 68% market share. Comet's launch directly challenges Chrome and other major browsers like Microsoft Edge. Perplexity plans to explore new revenue streams in advertising and e-commerce.
Currently, Comet is accessible to subscribers of Perplexity Max at a cost of $200 per month. Broader access will be rolled out via invitation throughout the summer.
Comet prioritizes user privacy by storing data locally and avoiding model training on personal information. However, Perplexity has faced criticism for using content from media organizations without permission, leading to the development of a publisher partnership program to address these concerns.
Other tech giants are also integrating AI into their platforms; OpenAI added a search engine to ChatGPT, and Google launched AI Overviews last May.