Introduction
Perplexity has announced the public release of Comet, its AI-powered browser, now available for free to everyone. After months of waitlist with millions of requests, the most sought-after AI product of the year becomes accessible to anyone wanting to transform how they browse the internet. Comet represents a paradigm shift: no longer just search, but an ecosystem of intelligent assistants working alongside the user.
From Waitlist to Global Release
Comet was initially launched on July 9 in limited release. Since that moment, demand exceeded all expectations: millions signed up for the waitlist faster than Perplexity could manage invitations. Users with early access utilized Comet in unexpected ways, showing a 6-18X increase in questions asked during their first day. This data confirmed a fundamental truth: curiosity is inherent in all of us, but the traditional web has stifled it.
The browser is now downloadable for free at perplexity.ai/comet, marking the beginning of a new era in AI-driven web navigation.
The Problem with the Modern Web
According to Perplexity, the internet has become an environment hostile to curiosity. The clicks-and-traffic model has transformed the web into a kind of "digital yellow pages," where every navigation path inevitably leads toward a purchase button. Users find themselves constantly trapped in conversion funnels, with their online experience reduced to commercial opportunities for third parties.
Contemporary knowledge work has taught people to have answers, not questions. This mindset has contributed to creating an ecosystem where active knowledge seeking has been replaced by passive consumption of pre-packaged content.
Comet Assistant: Your Always-Present AI
The heart of Comet is the Comet Assistant, an AI assistant that browses alongside the user and is available for any question or task. Unlike traditional chatbots, it operates in an integrated way: every new tab opened in the browser includes a new Comet Assistant ready to respond or act on the user's behalf.
Key Features
- Support for research, meetings, coding, and e-commerce
- Immediate answers without workflow interruptions
- Native integration in every browser tab
- Ability to execute concrete actions, not just provide information
- Reduced distractions during browsing
Perplexity developed Comet with impressive speed, continuously introducing new features based on user feedback. The goal has been clear from the beginning: make asking questions the default, delightful mode of internet use.
Background Assistants: Beyond the Chatbot Paradigm
Perplexity questioned the chatbot model itself, considering it outdated for a truly powerful AI assistant. The answer came with Background Assistants, a platform where AI assistants work simultaneously and asynchronously for the user.
These assistants operate in the background, eliminating tasks from the to-do list while the user focuses on what truly matters. They transform curiosity into concrete productivity, creating a personal AI team that handles multiple tasks without requiring constant attention.
Email Assistant
One of the first Background Assistants launched is the Email Assistant, currently available to Max subscribers. It works simply: just cc the email assistant on any thread to complete scheduling and other tasks. When users open their inbox, they find draft replies already prepared. It's also possible to email the assistant to retrieve information from your inbox.
Comet Mobile: Curiosity Everywhere
Initially available only for desktop, Comet is expanding to mobile devices. Perplexity emphasized that creating a mobile app is simple, but developing a mobile AI assistant and curiosity accelerator requires thoughtful approach.
The Comet mobile app will eliminate the clutter and frustration caused by mobile ads and outdated app models. It will include industry-leading voice technology, making the interface with Comet assistants easier than ever. Users will be able to manage their assistants from any device, maintaining continuity between desktop and mobile.
Comet Plus: Supporting Quality Journalism
Recognizing that technology alone cannot improve the internet, Perplexity launched Comet Plus to support real journalism. The company announced its inaugural participating publishers, which include some of the world's most reputable sources of news and information.
The initiative aims to ensure that quality content continues to be created and valued, instead of simply feeding the generic content machine. Comet Plus represents a concrete commitment toward a healthier and more sustainable information ecosystem.
The Philosophy of Curiosity
Perplexity bases its vision on a fundamental principle: curious people lead the world. This conviction has guided every aspect of Comet's development. The company recalls historical examples: only three telephone engineers in the 1950s invented the transistor by asking the right question. The Wright brothers were not inventors or engineers, but relentlessly curious people who never stopped asking how to fly.
Every great vision begins with questions, whether in work, community, or relationships. Comet wants to bring the web back to being a tool that amplifies this natural curiosity, instead of suppressing it.
Conclusion
The public release of Comet marks a significant moment in the evolution of browsers and artificial intelligence applied to web navigation. With integrated assistants operating in foreground and background, incoming mobile support, and a commitment to quality content through Comet Plus, Perplexity is building a complete ecosystem that puts curiosity at the center.
The stated mission remains clear: support the world's curiosity by building truly useful AI products, so users can ask more of the world around them. With millions already on the waitlist and impressive results from early users, Comet represents a concrete proposal for a better internet, smarter and more oriented toward exploration than conversion.
FAQ
What is Comet and how does Perplexity's AI browser work?
Comet is a free browser developed by Perplexity that integrates native AI assistants to help users with questions, research, and tasks while browsing. Each new tab includes a dedicated Comet Assistant.
How can I download Comet browser for free?
Comet is available for free download by visiting perplexity.ai/comet. Waitlist registration is no longer required.
What are Comet's Background Assistants?
Background Assistants are AI assistants that work simultaneously and asynchronously in the background, completing tasks while the user focuses on other things, transforming curiosity into productivity.
Is Comet browser available for mobile devices?
Perplexity is developing the Comet mobile app with advanced voice technology and an interface optimized for smartphones. It will be available soon on all devices.
What is Comet Plus and how does it support quality content?
Comet Plus is an initiative that includes reputable publishers and journalistic sources to ensure the AI browser provides access to high-quality content, supporting real journalism.
How does the Email Assistant work in Comet browser?
The Email Assistant, available to Max subscribers, allows you to cc the assistant in emails to complete scheduling, receive ready-made draft replies, and manage your inbox via AI.
Why do Comet users ask more questions than on other browsers?
Users switching to Comet increase questions asked by 6-18X on their first day, because the browser makes asking questions natural and delightful instead of passive searching.
Does Comet browser replace traditional chatbots?
Yes, Perplexity considers chatbots outdated. Comet offers integrated assistants that operate contextually in browsing and background, surpassing the conversational chatbot paradigm.