Perplexity AI has officially made its innovative Comet browser available to everyone, removing the previous waitlist and subscription requirements. This move aims to democratize access to advanced AI-powered browsing tools and intensify competition with established players like Google Chrome. The company also introduced new features and a subscription model for premium content access.
Key Takeaways
Perplexity's AI-powered Comet browser is now free for all users worldwide.
The browser offers AI-driven features for research, task automation, and content summarization.
A new subscription service, Comet Plus, provides access to premium journalism content.
A mobile version of the Comet browser is expected to launch soon.
Comet Browser Goes Global
Perplexity AI announced on October 2nd that its AI-powered browser, Comet, is now generally available at no cost. Previously launched in a limited release on July 9th, Comet garnered significant interest with millions joining its waitlist. The browser, built on the Chromium framework, offers a familiar user experience while integrating powerful AI capabilities.
Enhanced Browsing Experience
The Comet browser is designed to transform online interactions with features like the Comet Assistant. This AI assistant can help users with various tasks directly within the browser, including research, managing meetings, coding assistance, and e-commerce activities. It aims to streamline complex workflows into fluid conversations, providing real answers and fewer distractions compared to traditional browsing.
Key features of the Comet browser include:
AI Sidebar Assistant: Summarizes articles, drafts emails, manages schedules, and performs multi-step tasks.
Chromium-Based Foundation: Ensures compatibility with Chrome extensions and bookmarks.
Workflow and Tab Management: Introduces "workspaces" to organize tabs, tasks, and projects.
Personalized Recommendations: Offers tailored content suggestions based on user behavior.
Task Automation: Utilizes agentic AI for tasks like booking meetings and comparing prices.
Introducing Comet Plus
Alongside the free release of Comet, Perplexity has also launched Comet Plus. This subscription service, available for $5 per month or included with Perplexity Pro and Max subscriptions, grants users and their AI assistants access to journalism from participating publishers. This initiative aims to create a new business model that compensates publishers for their content in the AI era. Initial partners for Comet Plus include CNN, Conde Nast, Fortune, and The Washington Post.
Future Developments
Perplexity also revealed plans to release a mobile version of the Comet browser soon, expanding its accessibility beyond desktop use. The company's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, highlighted that users who have tried Comet have engaged with Perplexity's AI significantly more, suggesting a positive impact on user engagement and the perceived value of AI-driven tools.