Can Perplexity’s new agentic AI browser ‘Comet’ replace Google Chrome?

As the generative AI space rapidly evolves, tech companies are shifting focus from traditional chatbots to AI-native web browsers. In line with this trend, AI startup Perplexity has launched its new desktop browser Comet, which features an in-built AI assistant capable of performing complex tasks and understanding user context in real-time.

Comet’s release follows a wave of innovation in the browser space, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT Agent, which allows AI models to browse the web on users’ behalf, and Dia, an AI-integrated browser by The Browser Company. Google is also reportedly testing Gemini integration in Chrome, indicating growing competition in this emerging category.

An AI Browser Designed for Automation and Contextual Intelligence

Built on Google’s Chromium framework, Comet departs from traditional search engines by replacing Google Search with Perplexity’s proprietary answer engine, which is powered by foundational models such as GPT-4o, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, and the company's in-house model Sonar.

The browser offers features like:

AI-generated summaries of articles, videos, and open tabs.

Descriptions of on-screen images.

Deep-topic research capabilities.

A persistent sidebar assistant that responds to user prompts.

Comet's assistant can automate a variety of tasks, including drafting and sending emails, unsubscribing from mailing lists, publishing social media posts, and managing browser tabs. Users can activate these features using the prompt, “take control of my browser and…”, enabling the assistant to perform sequential, multi-step actions.

User Context at the Core of AI Interaction

One of Comet’s standout capabilities is its ability to pull user context from third-party applications, once users are signed in. This enhances the AI assistant’s accuracy and personalization. According to Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, Comet is designed to function like a “silent worker,” continuously assisting users in the background.

While some complex tasks like online shopping still face limitations due to current AI constraints, the company expects these functions to improve as models become more advanced. Users also have the option to override AI actions and complete tasks manually if needed.

Early Access and Market Strategy

Comet is currently available to Perplexity Max subscribers and those on the company’s early access waitlist, for both Mac and Windows platforms. According to Srinivas, the browser may eventually be available for free, but advanced AI features will likely remain part of a paid tier.

The browser's launch comes as Perplexity aims to challenge Google’s dominance in both search and browser markets. The company reportedly processed over 780 million search queries in May 2025, a notable achievement when compared to Google’s estimated 5 trillion annual searches. With AI agents being more compute-intensive and costly to operate, Perplexity is in talks with smartphone manufacturers to have Comet pre-installed on new devices, according to a Reuters report.

Browser Wars Heat Up

As tech giants race to define the next generation of AI-powered browsing, Perplexity’s Comet may offer a viable alternative to Google Chrome. With its focus on contextual automation and agentic AI capabilities, the browser introduces a new standard in how users interact with the web—one that goes beyond simple search and leans into full-scale digital assistance.

Whether Comet can capture a significant share of the market remains to be seen, but its ambitious approach is already drawing industry attention as the AI browser wars begin to unfold.

Source: Indianexpress

Voice of Osiz

The rise of Comet signals a turning point in AI-human web interaction. We believe this move validates the growing demand for context-aware, agent-driven browsing experiences. Our team sees this as a step closer to AI-first digital ecosystems where automation and real-time personalization are the new norm. As innovators in the AI space, we’re closely observing how this reshapes user behavior and enterprise adoption alike.