Perplexity has introduced Comet, an AI-powered browser designed to reshape the internet browsing experience. The company asserts that the current web model is flawed, having evolved into a transactional environment that stifles curiosity. Comet is positioned as a solution, leveraging an “assistant-first” model to cater to what Perplexity identifies as the unaddressed needs of internet users.
The central premise behind Comet is to counteract the degradation of online discovery, a sentiment that has been gaining traction among users. Perplexity’s marketing suggests the internet has become a “digital yellow pages,” prioritizing commerce over exploration. The company claims that early adopters of Comet have demonstrated a significant increase in question-asking, suggesting a more inquisitive user experience.
An Assistant-First Model
At the core of Comet’s design is its integrated AI assistant, which is intended to streamline tasks like research, coding, and meeting management within the browser itself. A new instance of this assistant opens with each new tab, ready to receive user commands. This approach, as described by Perplexity, aims to be a more advanced and integrated solution than traditional chatbot interfaces. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, has stated that this model enables a deeper level of interaction than what is currently possible with standard search engines or AI chatbots.
Expanding Beyond the Browser
Perplexity is extending its AI integration with an Email Assistant for its Max subscribers, which can manage scheduling and draft email responses. Additionally, the company has announced Background Assistants, a system designed for asynchronous task completion, though specific details have not been fully disclosed.
Data Privacy and Security Considerations
The introduction of an AI-powered browser with deep integration into user workflows has raised questions about data privacy and security. The Comet Privacy Notice specifies that interaction data, including browsing history and search queries, is stored locally on the user’s system. By default, this data is not sent to Perplexity unless a user initiates a “personal search” that requires personal context to complete a task. Perplexity maintains that it does not sell user data.
Users have access to privacy settings that allow them to manage and delete their browsing data, saved passwords, and cookies. An “Incognito Mode” is also available, which prevents the collection and storage of browsing data. However, the browser’s ability to access and interact with user data to perform its functions is a central point of concern for some. To operate, Comet’s AI agent needs to process a significant amount of user activity, which could include confidential information in a business context. The browser’s “@tab” feature, for example, can read and process information from open tabs to perform tasks like comparing products.
Vulnerabilities and Criticisms
Cybersecurity firm LayerX identified a vulnerability called “CometJacking,” where a malicious prompt hidden in a URL could cause the browser’s AI to extract personal information from connected services like Gmail and send it to an attacker. LayerX demonstrated that they could bypass Comet’s data theft safeguards by instructing the AI to encode the stolen data before sending it to a remote server. When notified, Perplexity initially responded that it “could not identify any security impact”.
Market Challenges and Business Model
Comet enters a browser market heavily dominated by established players like Chrome, Safari, and Edge. Many technically proficient browsers have struggled to gain a significant market share in the past. The browser’s business model also presents a departure from the advertising and e-commerce-driven economy that underpins much of the web.
In response to concerns about the sustainability of content creation, Perplexity has announced Comet Plus, a program developed in partnership with news publishers. The initiative aims to support journalism rather than merely aggregating content, though the financial specifics of these partnerships have not been made public. Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, has stated that the company is responding to user fatigue with the current state of the internet, asserting that “the internet is better on Comet.”
Enterprise and Professional Use
Despite the focus on curiosity and exploration, the professional applications of Comet are a significant area of interest. Christian Perez, Founder of the tech firm Altivum, has endorsed the browser as an “invaluable tool” for his work, citing its real-time information and enterprise-grade knowledge management. However, the deep data integration required for Comet’s AI to function has led to recommendations against its use in environments that handle sensitive or confidential information. The potential for the AI to interact with and process proprietary company data, client information, and internal communications is a key concern.