Perplexity Opens Comet AI Browser to All, Enhances Premium Features
AI search startup Perplexity has announced that its Comet AI browser is now available globally for free, marking a strategic move to challenge dominant browsers and emerging AI-powered competitors. Concurrently, the company unveiled a new multitasking “background assistant” feature exclusively for its Max tier subscribers.Comet Browser: AI-Powered Sidecar Assistant Enhances Browsing
Initially launched three months ago for Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max subscribers, Comet has attracted millions to its waitlist. The browser’s standout feature is its AI sidecar assistant, which accompanies users during web navigation to answer questions, summarize page content, manage information, and facilitate navigation. For free users, the assistant remains accessible with limited capabilities, while a suite of AI-driven tools is available to all. These include:- Discover: Personalized news and content recommendations.
- Spaces: Project organization and management.
- Shopping: Price comparisons and deal discovery.
- Travel: Aggregated information on destinations, flights, and accommodation.
- Finance: Budgeting, expense tracking, and investment monitoring.
- Sports: Real-time scores, schedules, and news updates.
New Background Assistant Empowers Max Users with Multitasking AI
Max subscribers gain access to Perplexity’s innovative background assistant, described by the company as “a team of assistants” managed through a centralized dashboard resembling a mission control center. This assistant can execute multiple tasks simultaneously in the background, freeing users to focus on other work. Examples include composing and sending emails, adding the cheapest concert tickets to a shopping cart, and locating direct flights based on specified criteria. Users can monitor task progress, intervene, or take control at any point, with notifications upon completion. Enhanced integration with other applications on the user’s computer allows the background assistant to perform complex workflows, though Perplexity has yet to detail all specific use cases.Subscription Options and Access to AI-Enhanced News
For free Comet users seeking expanded functionality, Perplexity plans to offer Comet Plus—a $5-per-month standalone subscription designed as an AI-enhanced alternative to Apple News. Pro users, paying $20 monthly for advanced AI capabilities including image and video generation, and Max users will receive Comet Plus automatically.Navigating a Competitive AI Browser Market
Perplexity’s decision to offer Comet for free reflects the increasing competition within the AI browser market. The startup must demonstrate consistent, tangible productivity enhancements to persuade users to transition from entrenched browsers like Google Chrome or emerging alternatives such as The Browser Company’s Dia and the forthcoming OpenAI browser.“Without tangible productivity gains, people might be less inclined to switch from their existing browsers.”
Industry AnalystFinOracleAI — Market View
Perplexity’s move to democratize access to its AI browser signals an aggressive strategy to carve out market share in a rapidly evolving sector. The integration of multitasking AI assistants could redefine user expectations for browser productivity, yet adoption depends on seamless execution and clear value.- Opportunities: Expansion of AI browser user base through free access; differentiation via multitasking background assistant; potential to lead in AI-enhanced browsing productivity.
- Risks: Intense competition from established and emerging AI browsers; user resistance to switching without clear productivity improvements; technical challenges in delivering reliable multitasking AI.
