Perplexity's Comet: An AI Browser to Rival Chrome

AI-powered search engine Perplexity is expanding its reach beyond search by developing its own web browser, Comet. The company made the announcement via X, launching a signup list but offering few details on the browser’s release date or features. However, Perplexity is making a bold claim—promising to “reinvent” the browser, just as it claims to have done with search.

A Crowded Market with AI-Driven Competition

Comet will enter a market dominated by giants like Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, alongside smaller AI-focused competitors such as Arc and the upcoming Dia browser from The Browser Company. Many of these competitors already integrate AI-powered features, making it an uphill battle for Comet to differentiate itself. However, Perplexity may leverage its rapidly growing user base to carve out space in the market.

Founded in 2022, Perplexity has seen explosive growth, now handling over 100 million queries per week. The company has secured over $500 million in funding and is valued at $9 billion. Recent product launches, including a deep research tool, an AI-powered assistant for Android, and an API for AI search, indicate a clear ambition to dominate AI-driven information retrieval.

The Legal Challenges Ahead

Despite its success, Perplexity has faced mounting legal pressure over its use of publisher content. News Corp’s Dow Jones and the New York Post have sued the company, accusing it of unauthorized content use, while The New York Times issued a cease-and-desist last October. While Perplexity has attempted to address concerns with a revenue-sharing program for publishers, its aggressive expansion into AI-powered search and now web browsing could heighten scrutiny from media organizations.

What’s Next for Comet?

If Perplexity can integrate its AI search technology seamlessly into Comet and offer a truly differentiated browsing experience, it may stand a chance in this highly competitive space. However, without clear details on how Comet will “reinvent” the browser, it remains to be seen whether this is a groundbreaking move or just another attempt to diversify in an already saturated market.