Perplexity AI is in talks with smartphone makers to pre-install or set its Comet browser as default to challenge Google’s dominance.
Comet integrates Perplexity’s conversational AI, offering real-time answers, page summaries, calendar help, and more—all within the browser.
Comet is in beta, currently available only to Perplexity Max users ($200/month), with wider desktop and mobile rollouts planned soon.
Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI is reportedly in talks with smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its AI-powered Comet browser on new devices. The move is a part of Perplexity’s plan to rival Google’s dominance in search and make its AI capabilities readily available for users. According to a report by Reuters, the AI platform will feature its Comet browser as either the default option or a pre-installed app on smartphones. CEO Aravind Srinivas told Reuters that it’s challenging to replace Chrome as the default browser; however, securing such deals could be a game-changer for user growth.
SurveyThe Comet browser is currently in beta for desktop users. As per the report, Perplexity aims to expand its user base from a few hundred thousand beta users to hundreds of millions by next year. However, the company faces stiff competition from entrenched browsers like Google Chrome, which dominates roughly 70% of the mobile browser market.
Built on Chromium, Comet is fully compatible with Chrome extensions and user bookmarks. However, it integrates Perplexity’s conversational AI tools directly into the browsing experience. The built-in assistant will understand and respond to users’ queries on any webpage.
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Additionally, Comet browser comes with a side panel that allows users to interact with AI to summarise pages, manage emails, search calendars, schedule meetings, and more. Interestingly, Perplexity doesn’t position it as a search engine, but as a full-fledged digital assistant.
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Perplexity’s Comet accessibility
Currently, access to the Comet browser is limited to Perplexity Max subscribers, who pay $200 (roughly Rs 17,200) per month. An invitation-only rollout for Windows and Mac users will be announced soon, followed by mobile versions for Android and iOS by the end of this year.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
