记者丨 肖潇 编辑丨王俊 AI浏览器的安全隐患再被警示。 近日，AI搜索明星公司Perplexity的浏览器Comet被曝存在重要安全漏洞。 攻击者无需懂代 码，只需在论坛评论区留下恶意指令，就能诱导AI智能体泄露用户的邮箱、验证码等敏感信 息。 Comet是Perplexity公司上个月发布的AI原生浏览器，目前面向付费用户开放。与传统浏览器 不同，它几乎在所有浏览场景里嵌入了AI：用户既能在搜索栏直接发问，也能在浏览网页时随 时唤出AI，让其读屏、填表、写邮件和预订机票。 这一漏洞最先由竞争对手Brave浏览器的美国安全团队发现。他们在测试过程中仅做了两步： 第一步，在Reddit论坛一篇帖子下，留下带"剧透标签"的恶意指令，让用户无法看到具体内 容； 一个已发生的案例是，瑞士人工智能安全研究公司Invariant Labs在今年4月测试发现，可以劫 持智能体窃取WhatsApp用户的聊天记录。尽管大部分智能体在执行敏感操作任务时需要用户 手动确认，但攻击者可以把"恶意指令"隐藏在一段超长的滚动消息中，用户很难察觉。 第二步，当Comet用户点击"总结当前网页"时，AI智能体会读取这条隐藏指令并自动执行。 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of AI-native browsers, particularly focusing on Perplexity's Comet and its competitive landscape with other players like OpenAI and The Browser Company. It highlights the transformative potential of AI in the browser space and the strategic moves by Perplexity, including a $34.5 billion acquisition offer for Google's Chrome [1][6]. Group 1: Comet Overview - Comet is an AI-native browser launched by Perplexity, integrating AI capabilities directly into the browsing experience to enhance user interaction and workflow execution [2][4]. - The AI assistant in Comet allows users to perform complex tasks seamlessly, such as gathering and organizing information based on user commands [2][3]. Group 2: User Retention and Business Model - Perplexity is focusing on user retention rates for Comet, aiming to make it the default browser for most users, which would significantly increase daily request volumes for its search engine [6][7]. - The company is designing a tiered pricing model to cater to different user needs, with free plans for basic functionalities and paid plans for advanced features [8][9]. Group 3: AI Browser Advantages - AI browsers like Comet retain user data locally, enhancing privacy compared to traditional browsers that rely on remote servers [16][17]. - Comet aims to automate workflows and integrate deeply into users' digital lives, positioning itself as a cognitive operating system [10][12]. Group 4: Comparison with Dia - A16z's evaluation indicates that Comet outperforms Dia in search and summarization capabilities, while Dia excels in workflow management and multi-tab coordination [22][26][33]. - Both browsers feature AI assistants that enhance user interaction, but Comet's integration with various applications allows for more streamlined task execution [29][31]. Group 5: Future of AI in Browsers - The article predicts a growing trend of AI agents capable of executing simple workflows, which will become more prevalent in the near future [39][40]. - Memory is identified as a crucial element for unlocking proactive AI capabilities, with browsers serving as ideal platforms for this integration [41][45].

Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of AI-native browsers, particularly focusing on Perplexity's Comet and its competitive landscape with other players like OpenAI and The Browser Company [2][12][30]. Group 1: Comet Overview - Comet is an AI-native browser launched by Perplexity, integrating AI into the browsing experience to enhance user interaction and streamline workflows [1][2]. - The core feature of Comet is its AI assistant, which can understand the context of the current webpage and assist users in completing complex tasks [3][4]. - Comet aims to become a smart assistant in users' digital lives, providing seamless information retrieval and task execution [4][5]. Group 2: User Engagement and Model Optimization - Comet has over 500,000 users on its waiting list, with plans to gradually roll out access to early users [5][11]. - The browser utilizes a combination of models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and its proprietary DeepSeek model, ensuring high performance in real-world scenarios [6][9]. - Perplexity focuses on user retention as a key metric for Comet's success, aiming to make it the default browser for most users [11][13]. Group 3: Business Model and User Value - Perplexity is exploring a tiered pricing model for Comet, allowing users to pay for the agent's task completion capabilities, rather than relying on an ad-driven revenue model [14][15]. - Users are willing to pay for services that save time and provide clear value, as evidenced by feedback indicating significant time savings [17]. - Comet offers both free and paid plans, catering to different user needs, from basic functionality to advanced task management [16]. Group 4: Comparison with Traditional Browsers - AI browsers like Comet retain user data locally, enhancing privacy compared to traditional browsers that rely on remote servers [27][28]. - Comet's design allows for a more integrated user experience, enabling users to interact with AI without switching between different applications [23][29]. - The article highlights the potential of AI browsers to automate workflows and improve productivity, positioning them as essential tools for modern users [20][26]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Comet competes with The Browser Company's Dia, with both browsers integrating AI capabilities into daily operations [30][35]. - A16z's evaluation indicates that while both browsers have strengths, Comet excels in search and task execution, making it a more powerful tool for users [38][41]. - Dia's unique features, such as its Skill function for personalized settings, may appeal to users willing to invest time in customization [46][48]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The article suggests that the integration of AI into browsers will transform how users access and consume information, with a focus on creating more efficient workflows [54][55]. - Memory capabilities are identified as crucial for developing proactive AI, which could significantly enhance user experience and productivity [57][61]. - The vision for AI in browsers is to create a seamless, intelligent assistant that can anticipate user needs and automate tasks, potentially revolutionizing the digital landscape [59][62].

Core Viewpoint - Perplexity's $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google's Chrome browser is seen as a strategic move amidst ongoing antitrust pressures on Google, despite the bid being significantly higher than Perplexity's own valuation of $18 billion [1][2][7]. Group 1: Perplexity's Acquisition Intent - Perplexity's offer is perceived as an attempt to provoke Google and draw attention to its antitrust issues, rather than a serious acquisition effort [1][3]. - The company has committed to maintaining Chrome's open-source foundation and investing $3 billion in development over the next two years if the acquisition goes through [4][5]. - Perplexity aims to leverage Chrome's vast user base of over 3 billion to enhance its AI capabilities and improve its search engine performance [6]. Group 2: Google's Position - Google is currently facing potential forced divestiture of Chrome due to a federal court ruling on illegal monopoly practices in the online search market [2]. - The company plans to appeal against the divestiture, arguing that it would harm innovation and security [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Implications - The acquisition bid highlights the competitive landscape in the AI and browser market, with other companies like OpenAI and Baidu also developing AI-enhanced browsing solutions [5]. - Analysts suggest that if the acquisition were successful, it could be a transformative move in the AI era, although the bid is considered low compared to Chrome's estimated value of at least $50 billion [6][7]. - Regardless of the outcome, Perplexity's bold move serves as a marketing strategy to increase its visibility and attract investor interest [7].

Core Viewpoint - The AI browser market is heating up with major players like Microsoft and OpenAI entering the field, indicating a growing interest and potential for innovation in this sector [2][4]. User Experience and Interaction - User experience ratings for the AI browsers are as follows: Dia > Fellou > Edge > Perplexity Comet, with Dia being the most favored [16]. - Interaction design varies, with Perplexity Comet allowing easy access to its AI assistant, while Dia requires navigating to specific pages [17][18]. - Edge's interaction is complex, featuring multiple modes that can confuse users [22][30]. - Personalization features are stronger in Dia, allowing users to customize the AI assistant's personality and skills, while Fellou offers limited personalization options [31][36]. Agent Capabilities - The agent capabilities of the browsers were tested through two cases: booking flights and automating social media interactions. - Dia currently lacks agent functionality, while Fellou can autonomously book flights using user credentials [57][103]. - Comet requires the user to open the relevant page first before executing commands, but it performs well once the context is established [65][103]. - Edge's agent capabilities are cumbersome, requiring manual input and verification steps, making it less efficient [104][137]. Information Collection and Processing - All four browsers perform well in generating speed and information accuracy, but differ in their ability to gather and present information. - Dia's recent update improved its search capabilities, allowing for better information sourcing from major media outlets [146][149]. - Fellou excels in output quality, providing visual reports and comprehensive source citations, but lacks depth in content [151][155]. - Comet offers a high level of convenience in searching and has a wide range of sources, but its output is primarily text-based [158][159].

Core Viewpoint - Firefox browser, once a leading player in the market, is shutting down its operations in China, marking a significant decline from its peak popularity in 2008 when it held a 30% market share [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 2008, Firefox reached its peak with a user base that represented 30% of the global market, making it the most popular browser at the time [1]. - Firefox was initially successful due to its lightweight, simple, secure, and fast features, which allowed it to break the monopoly of Internet Explorer [2]. Group 2: Current Market Position - As of June, Firefox's global market share has plummeted to 2.37%, indicating a drastic decline in user adoption [2]. - The rise of Google Chrome, which surpassed Firefox's market share in 2012, is attributed to its stability, compatibility, and extensive extension ecosystem [2]. Group 3: Impact of AI - The emergence of AI browsers has posed a significant threat to Firefox, with new entrants like Comet offering voice-activated search and summarization features [3]. - The current competition in the browser market is characterized by both traditional browsers upgrading with AI capabilities and new AI-native companies entering the space [3]. - Data sovereignty and user privacy are becoming critical issues, as browsers collect user behavior data essential for AI training, leading to a focus on privacy protection as a differentiating factor among browser vendors [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The ongoing competition in the browser market is referred to as the "third browser war," with the future "king" of browsers yet to be determined by user and capital preferences [4].

Core Viewpoint - Firefox, once a leading browser with a market share of 30% in 2008, has seen a drastic decline to 2.37% in June 2023, leading to its decision to cease operations in China [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context and Market Position - In 2004, Firefox emerged as a lightweight, secure, and fast alternative to the dominant Internet Explorer, significantly shaping modern browsing habits [2]. - The rise of Google Chrome, which surpassed Firefox's market share in 2012, is attributed to its stability, compatibility, and extensive extension ecosystem [2]. Group 2: Impact of AI on Browsers - The recent surge of AI browsers, such as Comet and those from major AI companies, poses a significant threat to traditional browsers like Firefox [3]. - Current AI browsers integrate AI features into existing frameworks, primarily based on the Chrome open-source kernel, indicating a shift towards AI-centric browsing experiences [3]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The ongoing competition in the AI browser space is characterized by both established players upgrading their offerings and new entrants challenging the status quo [3]. - The browser market is entering what is termed the "third browser war," with user preferences and capital investments determining the future leaders [4].

Core Insights - Firefox, once a leading browser with a peak market share of 30% in 2008, has seen its global market share plummet to 2.37% as of June 2023, indicating a significant decline in user adoption [1][2] - The rise of Google Chrome, which surpassed Firefox in market share in 2012, is attributed to its stability, compatibility, and extensive extension ecosystem, which Firefox failed to match [2] - The emergence of AI browsers has intensified competition in the browser market, with both established players like Chrome and new entrants like Comet leveraging AI capabilities to enhance user experience [3][4] Market Dynamics - The browser market is currently experiencing a "third browser war," characterized by a battle for user engagement and capital investment, with the potential for new leaders to emerge [4] - AI integration in browsers is becoming a key differentiator, with traditional browsers upgrading their features and new AI-native companies entering the fray [3] - Data privacy and user behavior data collection are critical issues, as browsers serve as primary data collectors for AI training, leading to a competitive landscape focused on privacy protection [3]

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has transformed its Edge browser into an AI assistant with the introduction of the "Copilot mode," marking a significant shift in how users interact with the web [1][24]. Group 1: Features of Copilot Mode - The Copilot mode allows the Edge browser to function as an AI agent, capable of reading and analyzing multiple open tabs simultaneously to perform complex tasks [3][15]. - Users can interact with Copilot through a simplified interface resembling a chat window, enabling direct input of URLs, search queries, or conversational prompts [6][7]. - Copilot can understand user intent, whether it involves searching, chatting, or navigating, enhancing the browsing experience [8][10]. - The AI can group tabs for better organization, helping users maintain focus and quickly locate needed content [12]. Group 2: Future Developments - Upcoming features include a "thematic journey" function that organizes past and present browsing activities into a cohesive learning path, suggesting next steps based on user research topics [17]. - Future plans involve enabling Copilot to perform tasks such as restaurant reservations, itinerary management, and shopping, contingent on user authorization [20]. Group 3: Market Implications - Microsoft's move is a direct challenge to Google Chrome, which has dominated the browser market with over 60% share, while Chrome's integration of AI features remains less aggressive [24][25]. - The introduction of AI capabilities in browsers may lead to a shift in business models, with speculation that future AI features could be bundled with subscription services, indicating a potential end to free browser software [29][31]. - The evolution of browsing from a traditional model to an AI-driven experience suggests a fundamental change in user interaction with the web, moving towards a more intelligent assistant-like role [32][34].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of Comet, an AI Agent browser developed by Perplexity, which aims to redefine the browsing experience by integrating AI capabilities to enhance information understanding and utilization rather than just access [3][4][6]. Group 1: Comet's Features and Innovations - Comet is designed to address the challenge of understanding and utilizing information, transforming traditional browsing into a more intelligent and integrated experience [6][10]. - The browser features a Comet Assistant that combines contextual awareness and action execution, allowing users to interact with multiple web pages seamlessly [9][14]. - Users can issue complex commands to the Comet Assistant, which can read and synthesize information from various sources, creating structured reports and filling documents automatically [15][22]. Group 2: Strategic Positioning and Market Challenges - Comet represents a radical shift in browser design, positioning itself as an "environment reconstruction" tool rather than just an enhanced browser, aiming to create a continuous, intelligent interaction space [25][31]. - The pricing strategy for Comet, requiring a $200 monthly subscription, has sparked controversy and disappointment among existing users, potentially limiting its initial user base [26][28]. - The article highlights the challenge of user adaptation, as the innovative features of Comet may require users to learn a new way of interacting with the browser, which could hinder widespread adoption [30][31]. Group 3: Future Implications - Comet's development is seen as a bold step towards redefining the relationship between users and information, suggesting a future where browsers serve as intelligent partners rather than mere tools [31][32]. - The success of Comet will depend not only on Perplexity's technological advancements but also on users' willingness to embrace this new browsing paradigm [31].