Key Takeaways:
Perplexity AI, a company known for its AI-powered search engine, has announced plans to launch a new web browser called ‘Comet.’
The announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 24, 2025, revealing little beyond the name and a waitlist for early access.
“Just like Perplexity reinvented search, we’re also reinventing the browser. Stay tuned for updates.”
The statement suggests that Perplexity AI intends for Comet to be more than just another browser—potentially integrating AI in ways that go beyond conventional web navigation.
However, no technical specifications, features, or launch date have been provided.
Can Comet Challenge Google Chrome’s Dominance?
Perplexity AI’s decision to enter the web browser market places it in direct competition with Google Chrome, which, according to Similarweb (January 2025 data), controls 63.55% of the global market.
Other key players include:
Given Chrome’s deep integration with Google services, extensive extension ecosystem, and user loyalty, breaking into this space is a significant challenge.
“It takes a while to change the status quo. But patience and persistence pays off. Chrome took 5 years to get ahead of IE in terms of adoption. What matters is providing a great experience to the user relentlessly for several years. Not just one release. The full process matters.”
His statement implies that Perplexity AI is prepared for a long-term strategy rather than expecting immediate success.
What Could Make Comet Different?
“Core browsing improvements that Google Chrome hasn’t delivered for ages.”
Notably, he requested that users avoid suggesting AI-based features, implying that Comet may already integrate AI-driven functionalities.
While no official details have been shared, potential areas of focus based on Perplexity’s existing search technology include:
However, without concrete details from Perplexity AI, it remains unclear how Comet will differentiate itself beyond traditional AI-powered features.
Legal and Ethical Hurdles: Perplexity AI’s Content Disputes
Perplexity AI has faced legal scrutiny over how its search engine sources and presents information. Its expansion into web browsing raises questions about how Comet will handle content attribution and licensing.
According to TechCrunch, Dow Jones and the New York Post have sued Perplexity AI, accusing the company of being part of a “content kleptocracy.”
Additionally, the New York Times previously sent a cease-and-desist letter, alleging that Perplexity’s AI-generated summaries closely resemble original news articles without proper credit or licensing agreements.
Perplexity AI has maintained that it respects publisher rights and has introduced a revenue-sharing model to address concerns. However, the outcome of these legal disputes could shape how Comet handles web content and whether it faces further publisher restrictions.
Technical and Market Challenges for Comet
Here are some of the difficulties Comet might face as soon as it steps into the market:
Convincing Users to Switch
The browser market is notoriously difficult for new entrants. Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge are deeply embedded in their respective ecosystems (Google, Apple, and Microsoft), making it difficult to pull users away from these platforms.
Monetization Strategy
Perplexity AI has been exploring monetization efforts in search, including advertising programs and a paid Pro subscription model.
It remains unclear how Comet will be monetized—whether through ads, premium AI features, or a different approach.
Performance and Web Standards
Perplexity has not stated whether Comet will be built on an existing browser engine (such as Chromium or Gecko) or if it is developing a proprietary engine.
The choice of engine will impact performance, compatibility, and security.
If Comet is Chromium-based (as most browsers are today), it will have compatibility with Chrome extensions but may struggle to differentiate itself from other Chromium-based competitors like Edge and Brave.
If Perplexity chooses to build its own engine, it will face significant technical challenges in ensuring compatibility with modern web applications.
Perplexity AI’s announcement of Comet signals a major strategic shift beyond search, but significant unknowns remain:
With no confirmed release date and no official feature set, Comet remains a speculative project with more questions than answers.
However, given Perplexity AI’s rapid growth and willingness to challenge incumbents, its attempt to redefine the web browser market will be closely watched in the coming months.
February 19, 2025: Perplexity Launches Free AI Research Assistant for Everyone! February 12, 2025: Cerebras and Perplexity Aim for $100B Search Market With AI! January 27, 2025: Perplexity AI Proposes TikTok Merger, Offers 50% Stake to U.S. Government!
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