AI-driven search engine Perplexity has revealed plans to develop its own web browser, marking its expansion into yet another competitive domain. Announcing the news on X, the company introduced a sign-up list for early access to the browser, named Comet. However, details about its design, features, or launch timeline remain undisclosed.
A Perplexity spokesperson shared with TechCrunch that the company aims to “reinvent” the browser in the same way it has reimagined search. While the specifics are yet to be revealed, Perplexity’s move places it in a fiercely competitive market, where established giants like Chrome dominate, and emerging players, such as the upcoming Dia browser from The Browser Company, are integrating AI-powered enhancements.
It appears that Perplexity is looking to leverage its existing search engine users to establish a foothold in the browser space with Comet. The company has been aggressively expanding its product offerings, having recently introduced a “deep research” tool to compete with OpenAI, Google, and xAI. This comes after the January launch of an AI assistant for Android and an API for AI-driven search, further solidifying its presence in the AI space.
Founded in 2022, Perplexity has secured over $500 million in venture capital and is valued at $9 billion. The AI-powered search engine handles more than 100 million weekly queries while ramping up monetization strategies, including its advertising program.
Despite its rapid growth, Perplexity faces mounting legal challenges from publishers. News Corp’s Dow Jones and the New York Post have sued the company, accusing it of engaging in a “content kleptocracy.” Other media organizations have also voiced concerns about Perplexity’s content practices, with The New York Times even issuing a cease-and-desist notice last October.
In response, Perplexity maintains that it respects publisher content and has introduced a revenue-sharing program for media outlets. However, whether this approach will ease tensions with publishers remains to be seen as the company continues expanding its AI-driven ecosystem.