The AI race just got a whole lot spicier, and this time, it’s not just about answering your questions—it’s about changing the way you browse the internet. Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine that’s been making waves, just announced its next big thing: Comet, an AI-driven web browser that’s stepping into the ring against industry giants like Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. And let’s be real—this could be the moment AI disrupts how we use the internet.
Wait, Perplexity is Making a Browser?
Yep, you read that right. Perplexity, the startup that’s been trying to outsmart Google Search with its AI-powered search engine, is now gunning for Google Chrome’s throne. The company teased its new project in a post on X (formerly Twitter), dropping the name Comet and opening a waitlist for users eager to try it out. But other than the cryptic announcement, the details are still under wraps.
Thankfully, a recent TechCrunch interview shed some light on what’s coming. Perplexity claims that Comet is not just another browser—it’s a complete reinvention of web browsing. That’s a bold claim, considering that Google Chrome alone has a whopping 63% market share. But hey, if anyone can shake things up, it’s the startup that’s been challenging Google’s dominance since day one.
AI-Powered Browsing? Tell Me More.
So, what exactly makes Comet different from your typical browser? While Perplexity hasn’t spilled all the details yet, here’s what we know so far:
🔥 Agentic AI Search: This is where things get wild. Perplexity is working on AI-driven task automation, meaning Comet won’t just help you find information—it’ll do stuff for you. Booking flights, making dinner reservations, handling online shopping? The AI might just take care of that.
🚀 Deep Research on Steroids: Perplexity recently launched Deep Research, an AI tool that automatically compiles comprehensive reports. If Comet integrates this tech, expect a browser that doesn’t just fetch search results—it curates entire insights for you.
💻 AI Assistant Built In: If you thought ChatGPT-powered web browsing was impressive, imagine having an always-on AI assistant that understands context, answers questions, and streamlines your workflow while you browse.
🛠 Built on Chromium? Perplexity is hiring engineers with C++ and Chromium expertise, so there’s a good chance that Comet will be based on Chromium, meaning it might support Chrome extensions and feel somewhat familiar while delivering a next-level AI experience.
When’s It Dropping?
The million-dollar question. Unfortunately, we don’t know yet. Perplexity has yet to confirm an official launch date, nor has it clarified if Comet will be free or part of the Perplexity Pro subscription model.
What we do know is that the waitlist is live, so if you’re curious (or just tired of Chrome eating all your RAM), you can sign up now for early access.
Is Google Nervous?
Honestly? Probably not yet. Google Chrome has been the undisputed king of browsers for over a decade. Even Microsoft, with all its resources, couldn’t make Bing relevant in search, and its attempts to push Edge as a Chrome alternative have been, well… underwhelming.
But Perplexity isn’t just building another Chrome alternative—it’s rethinking what a browser should do. And if they nail it? That could change everything.
Here’s why Google should be paying attention:
📉 AI Search is Already Disrupting Google’s Ad Business: Perplexity, ChatGPT, and other AI-powered tools are reducing the need for traditional search engines, which threatens Google’s primary revenue stream—ads.
💡 Comet Could Reshape SEO/SEM Strategies: If Comet gains traction, marketers may have to rethink how they optimize websites for AI-driven search, just like they had to adjust for Google’s algorithm updates over the years.
🌍 A Browser Without Google’s Influence? Imagine a world where your browser isn’t tied to Google’s ecosystem. No data tracking, no forced Google services, just pure AI-enhanced browsing. That alone could attract privacy-conscious users looking for an escape from Google’s grip.
Can Perplexity Actually Pull This Off?
The AI startup isn’t just talking big—it has serious momentum. Just look at these numbers:
💰 $500M+ in venture capital raised
📊 100M+ search queries processed weekly
🚀 $9B valuation
These aren’t rookie numbers. Perplexity has heavy backing, and while it’s still facing legal challenges from major publishers like News Corp’s Dow Jones and the NY Post over content reproduction, it’s pushing forward with big innovations.
So, Should You Care?
If you’re even remotely interested in AI and the future of the internet, absolutely. Comet has the potential to change how we browse, search, and interact with the web—and maybe even take a chunk out of Google’s empire.
Right now, the best move is to join the waitlist and keep an eye on what Perplexity reveals next. Whether Comet is a game-changer or just another browser experiment, one thing’s for sure: AI isn’t just assisting us anymore—it’s about to take control of how we use the web.
And honestly? We’re so here for it. 🚀