Perplexity's AI-Native Browser Comet is HERE

Product Overview - Perplexity's Comet is an AI-first browser forked from Google Chrome, aiming to redefine web browsing by tasking an agent to browse on behalf of the user [1][3] - Comet integrates Perplexity AI directly into the browsing experience, offering an assistant accessible via a button that can interact with and provide information from any open tab [13][14] - The browser allows users to leverage AI agents to perform tasks such as creating grocery carts, finding information, and managing LinkedIn connections [6][21] Key Features and Functionality - Comet offers a faster browsing experience compared to Chrome, with instant setup and compatibility with existing Chrome settings, bookmarks, and extensions [3][4] - The browser allows local execution of AI tasks, providing access to already authenticated websites and contextual information, eliminating the friction of cloud-based browser agents [12] - Comet defaults to Perplexity search in the URL bar and new tabs, emphasizing its AI-first approach [13] - The browser supports automation of tasks like finding top-rated comments on YouTube videos and checking online stores for product availability, though some website restrictions may apply [25][27] Strategic Implications - Perplexity's development of its own browser mitigates platform risk associated with building on top of existing browsers like Google Chrome or Safari [9][10] - By building a local browser agent, Perplexity addresses the authentication challenges and lack of context associated with cloud-based browser agents [11][12] - The AI-driven browsing experience aims to improve efficiency and productivity by allowing users to delegate tasks to AI agents, potentially mitigating the issue of AI-generated content overload [39][41]