Perplexity Unveils Comet AI Browser as a Direct Challenge to Chrome

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Perplexity CEO Arvind Srinivas has introduced the Comet AI Browser, positioning the company to contest Google’s long-standing control of the browser market. Srinivas warned that leaving the internet solely under Google’s stewardship poses risks, framing Comet as an alternative that blends familiar browsing with advanced AI capabilities.

Developed on the Chromium platform, Comet retains compatibility with Chrome extensions and users’ existing bookmarks while adding an AI-powered sidebar. That assistant can condense articles, draft emails, manage calendars and perform on-the-fly fact checks. The browser also includes tools for organising workspaces, generating content and delivering tailored recommendations intended to streamline everyday web tasks.

The launch follows Perplexity’s high-profile $34.5 billion proposal to acquire Chrome from Google — a figure nearly double Perplexity’s own $18 billion valuation. The bid offered commitments to keep Chromium open-source, preserve default search configurations and channel $3 billion in investments over two years. These moves come as the US Department of Justice presses Google over antitrust concerns, underscoring Perplexity’s assertive strategy in search and browser competition.

Comet is presently available to Perplexity Pro subscribers in India on Windows and macOS, with Android pre-orders open and an iOS release anticipated. As part of the rollout, Perplexity has teamed with Bharti Airtel to grant new users a complimentary one-year Pro subscription.

With Comet, Perplexity aims to challenge Google’s dominance and rethink how artificial intelligence is embedded in routine browsing, offering users a more personalised, productivity-focused online experience.