Perplexity AI unveils Comet, an AI-powered browser with “agentic search,” aiming to challenge Google Chrome and redefine web browsing.
It seems like the underdog could shake up the browser market. Perplexity AI has announced Comet, its upcoming AI-powered web browser designed to compete with Google Chrome. The company, known for its AI-driven search engine, is now venturing beyond search, aiming to redefine how users interact with the web.
Perplexity AI, founded in 2022, has already gained traction with its conversational AI search engine, which delivers real-time answers in a ChatGPT-style format. Now, it’s taking a step further with Comet, a browser built on “agentic search”—a term that hints at AI-driven, intuitive browsing experiences.
While Perplexity has kept most details under wraps, it has opened a waitlist for early access and teased Comet’s launch in a short video. The company is clearly betting big on this new venture, stating that they are “reinventing the browser” and users should “stay tuned for updates.”
Going Up Against Google Chrome? A Tough Battle Indeed
Entering the web browser arena is no small feat, given Google's Chrome commanding approximately 63.55% of the market share as of January 2025. Apple's Safari trails with 21.81%, and Microsoft's Edge holds about 5.62%.
Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, acknowledges the challenges ahead. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he reflected on the time it took for Chrome to surpass Internet Explorer, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence:
"It takes a while to change the status quo. But patience and persistence pay off. Chrome took 5 years to get ahead of IE in terms of adoption. What matters is providing a great experience to the user relentlessly for several years. Not just one release. The full process matters."
Srinivas further engaged the community by soliciting suggestions for "core browsing improvements" that have been overlooked by existing browsers, indicating a user-centric approach in Comet's development.
The Vision for Agentic Search
The term "agentic search" implies a proactive, AI-driven approach to browsing, where the browser anticipates user needs and performs tasks autonomously. While Perplexity has not divulged specific functionalities, industry experts speculate that Comet could incorporate features such as real-time voice interaction, hands-free navigation, and predictive search capabilities.
