Perplexity Launches AI-Powered Browser 'Comet' After Google Rejects Default Search Engine Offer

Perplexity AI launched its AI-powered Comet web browser, which integrates conversational AI capabilities, after Alphabet's Google Chrome rejected its offer to become a default search engine option. Perplexity's valuation has increased to $14 billion, and the browser represents a challenge to Google's web ecosystem. The browser is initially available for Perplexity Max subscribers and will roll out to the public through summer.

Title: Perplexity AI Unveils Comet Browser, Challenging Google's Dominance

Perplexity AI, the startup behind the AI-powered search engine, has launched its own web browser, Comet, as a direct challenge to Google's dominance in the search market. The browser, which integrates Perplexity's AI search tools and assistant, aims to transform browsing sessions into seamless interactions. Comet is initially available to Perplexity Max subscribers, with invite-only access set to roll out over the summer [1].

The decision to launch Comet comes after Google Chrome rejected Perplexity's offer to become a default search engine option. CEO Aravind Srinivas stated that Google's refusal to consider Perplexity's offer led to the development of the browser. "I reached out to Chrome to offer Perplexity as a default search engine option a long time ago. They refused. Hence we decided to build Perplexity Comet browser," Srinivas wrote on X [2].

Comet is built on Chromium, the open-source project powering browsers like Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The browser incorporates conversational AI capabilities, allowing users to ask questions directly without traditional search navigation. It also offers features such as summarizing text, booking meetings, sending emails, and buying products [1].

Perplexity's valuation has increased to $14 billion following a recent funding round, which included investments from major tech companies like Nvidia and Amazon. The startup has expressed interest in acquiring Google Chrome if the court forces Google to sell the browser [1]. The launch of Comet is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Perplexity's position in the AI search market and challenge Google's ecosystem [2].

The browser is currently available on Windows and Mac platforms and allows users to import their extensions, settings, and bookmarks with a single click. Perplexity plans to continue rolling out new features and functionality for Comet in the future [1].

References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/703037/perplexity-ai-web-browser-comet-launch
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46335291/google-rejected-perplexitys-request-to-become-a-default-search-engine-option-on-chrome-ai-startup-fires-back-with-comet-browser