A new browser called Comet has just entered the digital ring, promising an experience powered by artificial intelligence that takes aim squarely at what people expect from Google.
Comet is rolling out initially to those paying for Perplexity’s premium subscription and a select group from a waitlist, making this entry feel exclusive and a bit mysterious.
The main attraction is its built-in AI search tool, featuring instant summaries and deep-dive answers front and center every time you open a fresh tab.
But there’s more lurking beneath the surface.
Users get access to something called Comet Assistant, a helpful AI companion that quietly sits within your browser window, ready to tackle minor chores. The assistant can summarize new emails, sift through calendar appointments, answer questions about the page you’re on, and, if needed, even open new tabs on your behalf.
Challenging Tech Giants in the Browser Arena
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, has pushed Comet as the company’s boldest move yet in its fight for users’ attention. In his own words, “the goal is to develop an operating system with which you can do almost everything,” making the browser the central place where artificial intelligence helps with nearly anything across the web.
The plan is ambitious, hoping users will start their web journey here rather than through established names like Chrome or Safari.
The timing is crucial because rivals are ramping up their own AI integrations. New players like Dia from The Browser Company are out, and OpenAI has been hiring talent from the Chrome team, signaling that competition is only heating up.
Perplexity is not without momentum. The company processed nearly eight hundred million user queries last month alone, with CEO Srinivas stating that their tools are growing faster every month.
Taking a closer look reveals some of Comet’s strengths and quirks.
Comet Assistant stands out most when given simple instructions, like summarizing emails or reminding users when to catch the train for their next meeting. But using the full suite of features means handing over pretty wide permissions — calendar, email, browsing data — the sort of access that understandably makes users hesitate. As one tester put it, “Giving Perplexity permission to see almost everything in my Google Account made me a little uneasy.”
When it works, though, the assistant proves its value. In-box summaries become much quicker. The sidebar makes it easy to consult the AI without switching tabs or copying any text. On occasion, it can even answer questions about what you just typed in a document, or comments on social media posts.
However, the magic fades if you push the limits.
Tasks that require precision or involve multiple steps unravel the experience. For example, when testing travel arrangements, the assistant failed to book parking accurately, entering the wrong information and refusing to adapt, falling into a loop that’s all too familiar for those who’ve experimented with similar AI helpers like OpenAI’s Operator. Such misfires suggest AI in browsers is still a work in progress.
Yet for now, Comet offers just enough originality and convenience to make the modern browser race far more interesting.
