The AI search startup Perplexity has made its innovative Comet browser available to users worldwide for free, marking a significant step in its strategy to compete against dominant players in the browser and search engine market. This follows the initial launch of Comet to subscribers of its premium $200-per-month Max plan just three months ago. Since then, the startup has garnered immense interest, with “millions” signing up on the waitlist to access this cutting-edge tool.
At the heart of Comet’s functionality is its unique sidecar assistant, designed to enhance your browsing experience. This intelligent assistant remains active as you navigate the web, providing real-time support by answering questions about the current webpage, summarizing content, managing web resources, and even navigating pages on your behalf. By integrating this feature, Perplexity aims to transform how users interact with online information.
Perplexity's decision to offer the Comet browser for free comes at a crucial time as it faces stiff competition from established browsers like Google Chrome and emerging rivals such as The Browser Company’s AI-powered browser, Dia. Additionally, this launch precedes the much-anticipated introduction of OpenAI’s AI-powered browser. To thrive in this competitive landscape, Perplexity must demonstrate that Comet’s capabilities deliver reliable productivity gains, as users may hesitate to abandon their familiar browsers without compelling reasons.
For users opting for the free Comet experience, the primary feature remains the sidecar assistant. Furthermore, all users can benefit from various innovative tools, including:
Discover: Personalized news and content recommendations akin to OpenAI’s Pulse. Spaces: A feature for organizing and managing different projects efficiently. Shopping: Assistance in comparing prices and locating deals across various online retailers. Travel: Aggregated information concerning travel destinations, flights, and accommodations. Finance: Tools for budgeting, tracking expenses, and monitoring investments. Sports: Updates on scores, schedules, and the latest news in the sports world.Subscribers of the Max plan enjoy enhanced features, including access to high-performing AI models and an email assistant. This assistant is designed to draft emails that match your tone, organize your inbox, prioritize tasks, schedule meetings, and answer queries related to your emails. Additionally, Max users gain early access to new products and features, such as the recently announced background assistant by CEO Aravind Srinivas.
The background assistant, described by a company spokesperson as “a team of assistants working for you,” can be managed from a central dashboard, akin to a “mission control.” This feature allows users to delegate multiple tasks, such as sending emails, adding concert tickets to a shopping cart, or finding the best flights for specific dates and times. Users can monitor task progress through the dashboard and intervene whenever necessary, ensuring they stay in control of their projects.
For those who wish to enhance their experience further, free Comet users have the option to purchase a standalone subscription for Comet Plus at $5 per month. This upcoming product aims to provide an AI-enhanced alternative to Apple News. Furthermore, Pro users—who subscribe for $20 per month—will automatically gain access to Comet Plus, which includes advanced features such as AI models, image and video generation, and file upload and analysis.
As Perplexity continues to evolve its offerings, the launch of the Comet browser marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for supremacy in the browser market. With its innovative features and user-centric approach, Perplexity is poised to make a significant impact in the digital landscape.
