编译 | Tina 本周，AI 搜索公司 Perplexity 推出了一款名为 Comet 的网页浏览器。这款浏览器整合了 Perplexity 自家的 AI 搜索工具和智能助手，旨在为用户提供更智能的浏览体验。目前，Comet 仅面向每月支付 200 美元的 Perplexity Max 高级用户开放，后续将逐步通过邀请制向更多用户 推广。 在官方博客中，Perplexity 直言不讳地表示：Comet 的推出，就是要正面挑战市占率高达 66.6% 的 Google Chrome。而这次发布时间点也颇有意味——恰逢传言 OpenAI 即将发布自家 AI 浏览 器，Perplexity 抢先出招，火药味十足。 但 Perplexity 的野心显然不止于此。他们不只是要与 Google 抢用户，更是要复制甚至超越 Google 的模式。 今年 3 月，美国司法部再次向 Google 施压，重申其在 2023 年 11 月提出的要求：强制 Google 出售 Chrome 浏览器，并终止默认搜索引擎绑定协议。Perplexity 随即公开表示，如果法院真的 要求 Google 剥离 Chrome，他们愿意收购该浏 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the launch of the free "Deep Research" feature by Metaso AI Search, which allows users to conduct comprehensive research without the need for applications or memberships, showcasing a new approach to AI-driven research capabilities [1][12][46]. Group 1: Features of Deep Research - The Deep Research function provides a complete research report by connecting various sub-questions and presenting a clear evidence chain [2][22]. - Users can input complex queries, and the system generates a research path in real-time, displaying the AI's thought process [18][19]. - The final report is structured and can be exported in formats like Word and PDF, with sources clearly cited [28][29]. Group 2: Performance and Evaluation - Metaso AI has shown superior performance in evaluation tests compared to other models, including the WebSailor model [8][10]. - The system can visualize data through charts and graphs, making it suitable for business research and everyday inquiries [39][41]. Group 3: Accessibility and Market Position - The Deep Research feature is available for free, contrasting with many competitors that require payment or limited access [48][50]. - This launch is seen as a significant development in the domestic AI search field, providing users with a low-barrier entry to advanced research tools [52].

Core Insights - Perplexity has launched a new web browser named Comet, integrating its AI search tools and smart assistant to provide a more intelligent browsing experience, initially available to premium users at $200 per month [1] - The launch of Comet is a direct challenge to Google Chrome, which holds a market share of 66.6%, and comes at a time when rumors suggest OpenAI is also developing its own AI browser [1][2] - Perplexity aims not only to compete with Google for users but also to replicate and potentially surpass Google's business model [1][2] Company Strategy - The U.S. Department of Justice has pressured Google to sell Chrome and end its default search engine agreements, prompting Perplexity to express interest in acquiring Chrome if such a ruling occurs [2] - CEO Aravind Srinivas has indicated that the development of their own browser is also aimed at gathering user behavior data outside of the Perplexity app to enhance advertising quality [2] - Srinivas has criticized the conventional wisdom in the startup community that suggests focusing on niche markets to avoid competition with giants like Google, asserting that he prefers to tackle significant challenges that attract top engineering talent [4][5] Market Ambitions - Perplexity's ambitions extend beyond search; the company aims to disrupt the financial information market, specifically targeting Bloomberg, by leveraging AI to enhance decision-making processes [6][27] - Srinivas estimates that the daily decision-making value in the financial system is in the tens of trillions of dollars, and even capturing 1% of that could yield $100 billion daily, far exceeding Google's annual revenue of approximately $200 billion [6][27] - The company is positioning itself to transform the financial research landscape by offering a more efficient and user-friendly alternative to traditional tools like Bloomberg Terminal [28] Product Features - Comet is envisioned as a "cognitive operating system" that integrates AI into the browsing experience, allowing users to automate tasks and streamline workflows [9][10] - The browser will enable users to issue commands directly, such as finding specific job candidates or managing tasks, with AI handling the execution [9][10] - Perplexity Labs, a feature of the platform, allows users to conduct in-depth research and generate content, further enhancing the utility of the browser [25][26] Competitive Landscape - The launch of Comet and the focus on AI integration in browsing highlight a growing trend in the tech industry where companies are seeking to redefine user interaction with web tools [1][9] - Perplexity's approach contrasts with traditional models that rely heavily on human analysts, suggesting a shift towards AI-driven solutions in financial decision-making [28] - The company is also addressing concerns about content creators by implementing a publisher program to ensure that quality information sources are compensated fairly, differentiating itself from competitors like Google [30]

Core Viewpoint - Perplexity, a startup focused on AI-driven search engines, is nearing completion of a funding round with a valuation of $14 billion, which is lower than its initial target of $18 billion but represents a significant increase from its previous valuations [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Perplexity was founded in 2022 and has quickly become a prominent startup in reshaping core internet services using generative AI [2]. - The company's valuation surged from $1 billion to $3 billion last year, and then tripled again within months [2]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Perplexity faces intense competition in its core search business from major players like Google and OpenAI, which has launched search products for its ChatGPT users [2]. - The company is expanding its offerings beyond paid/free search tools, with plans to launch a browser named Comet, aimed at competing with Google Chrome through enhanced personalization and task orientation [1][2]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Perplexity's annual recurring revenue has reached $120 million, an increase from nearly $100 million reported in March [2]. - Accel is in discussions to lead a $500 million funding round for Perplexity, which is part of a broader effort to raise up to $1 billion at the previously sought $18 billion valuation [1].

Group 1 - The core valuation of AI startup Perplexity has surged to $14 billion during new funding discussions, significantly up from previous rounds but below initial targets [1] - Perplexity, founded in 2022, aims to compete with Google by developing an AI search engine that utilizes natural language processing to transform how users access information [1] - The company's valuation increased from $1 billion to $3 billion last year, and then doubled again within a few months [1] Group 2 - Accel Partners is reportedly negotiating to lead a $500 million investment in Perplexity [1] - The company had initially sought to raise $1 billion at a $18 billion valuation [1]