AI search company Perplexity has now opened up its new Comet browser to users worldwide at no cost, aiming to position it as a competitor to leading browsers and search platforms. Additionally, select paying subscribers can now use a newly introduced “background assistant” within Comet to manage several tasks simultaneously.
Comet was initially released three months ago exclusively to those on Perplexity’s $200-per-month Max plan. Since then, “millions” have joined the waitlist to try the browser. The browser’s standout feature is its sidecar assistant, which accompanies users as they browse, ready to answer questions about the current web page, summarize information, organize content, and even help navigate sites for you.
By making Comet free, Perplexity is stepping up its efforts to challenge established players like Google Chrome, as well as newer entrants such as The Browser Company’s AI-driven Dia. This move also comes ahead of the highly anticipated launch of OpenAI’s own AI browser.
With so many competitors, Perplexity must demonstrate that Comet’s agent-like features are dependable. Without clear improvements in productivity, users may be reluctant to leave their current browsers.
Currently, free users of Comet can access the sidecar assistant. All users can also utilize tools such as Discover (which offers personalized news and content suggestions, similar to OpenAI’s Pulse), Spaces (for project organization and management), Shopping (to compare prices and find deals across online shops), Travel (which gathers information on destinations, flights, and accommodations), Finance (for budgeting, expense tracking, and investment monitoring), and Sports (for updates on scores, schedules, and news).
Max subscribers benefit from access to advanced AI models and Perplexity’s email assistant, which can draft and tailor responses, organize and prioritize emails, schedule meetings, and answer inbox-related questions.
Max users are also granted early access to new Perplexity features and products, including the “background assistant” that CEO Aravind Srinivas introduced during a recent event.
Perplexity’s “background assistant” can handle several tasks at the same time
Image Credits:Perplexity
According to a company representative, the assistant acts as “a group of helpers working for you,” all of which can be managed and monitored from a central dashboard, similar to a “mission control.”
While you focus on other work or step away, the assistant can carry out multiple actions on your computer in the background. For instance, you could instruct it to send an email, add the lowest-priced concert tickets to your cart, and locate the best direct flight for a specific date and time. You can track the progress of these tasks in the dashboard and step in to complete them—such as sending the email or taking over when needed. The assistant will alert you once a task is finished.
The background assistant is also equipped with “improved connectors,” enabling it to interact with other applications on your device, according to the spokesperson. TechCrunch has requested further details on the assistant’s capabilities and optimal use cases.
Those using the free version of Comet will soon be able to purchase a standalone Comet Plus subscription for $5 per month, which is designed to serve as an AI-powered alternative to Apple News. Pro users (paying $20 per month for enhanced AI models, image and video generation, file uploads and analysis, etc.) and Max users will automatically receive access to Comet Plus.
