Perplexity launching an AI browser like Google Chrome with an goal to ‘browse’ you
When Perplexity AI introduced plans for its personal browser, Comet, again in February, it appeared like a curious departure from its core id as an AI-powered assistant. However now, because of a revealing podcast look by CEO Aravind Srinivas, the strategic intent is coming into focus — and it has the whole lot to do with information.
Talking on the TBPN podcast, Srinivas was candid: “That’s form of one of many different causes we wished to construct a browser, is we need to get information even exterior the app to raised perceive you… We plan to make use of all of the context to construct a greater consumer profile and, possibly you realize, by means of our uncover feed we might present some adverts there.”
It’s a daring, and a few may say, acquainted playbook. Google has spent years refining an analogous mannequin by means of its Chrome browser, which quietly serves as probably the most highly effective data-gathering instruments on the net. Now, Perplexity seems to be following in these footsteps, leveraging AI not simply to reply questions, however to be taught the whole lot about its customers’ on-line habits.
Chromium Roots, Chrome Ambitions
Comet is being constructed on Chromium, the open-source skeleton that additionally powers Chrome and Microsoft Edge. This provides Perplexity a fast-tracked entry into the browser market — one full with extensions assist, developer familiarity, and cross-platform polish.
However the firm could also be setting its sights even larger. Within the wake of current antitrust developments surrounding Google’s search dominance, hypothesis has grown over a possible compelled divestment of Chrome. Throughout ongoing authorized proceedings, Perplexity’s Chief Enterprise Officer Dmitry Shevelenko didn’t draw back from the thought of buying Chrome outright, noting that the corporate might “proceed operating the browser at its present scale.”
From Assistant to Ecosystem
By turning Comet into an information pipeline, Perplexity is laying the groundwork for a broader ecosystem, one the place its AI assistant doesn’t simply reply your questions, however understands your routines, preferences, and priorities throughout the online.
That’s the promise of “contextual computing,” and it’s more and more the place the trade is heading. Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, and even ChatGPT’s Voice Mode are inching towards this mannequin. However with a browser in hand, Perplexity might leap forward by merging AI with behavioural perception on the supply.
In fact, this raises the standard considerations: information privateness, consent, and the way transparently customers might be knowledgeable about what’s being tracked and the way it’s getting used. Google has already confronted fierce backlash on these fronts. Perplexity, a relative newcomer, should tread rigorously.
