Perplexity AI Expands Comet Browser Access
Perplexity AI has taken a bold step in the AI browser wars, announcing that its Comet browser is now available for free worldwide. The move comes just months after its limited July debut for Perplexity Max subscribers, who paid $200 a month for early access.
By removing the paywall, Perplexity hopes to grow its user base as competition intensifies with tech heavyweights like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
From Paid to Free: A Strategic Shift
Originally offered to premium subscribers only, Comet quickly generated buzz, with the company claiming a waitlist of “millions.” Now, every user can access the browser’s AI-driven capabilities, which include:
Searching the web with conversational answers
Organizing tabs intelligently
Drafting emails and documents
Shopping with AI assistance
Handling multi-step tasks
This wider rollout could help Perplexity scale rapidly at a time when rivals are integrating AI agents directly into existing platforms.
Rivals Already in the Race
The AI browser space has become crowded in recent months. Google introduced Gemini integration in Chrome in September, Anthropic launched a browser-based agent in August, and OpenAI rolled out Operator earlier this year.
Perplexity, meanwhile, made headlines with an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid for Google Chrome in August, signaling its ambition to disrupt the browsing market.
Beyond Search: Publisher Partnerships
While best known for its AI search engine that provides direct answers with source links, Perplexity has faced criticism over plagiarism concerns. In response, the company launched a revenue-sharing model with media outlets in 2023.
Building on that, it introduced Comet Plus in August, giving users access to content from trusted publishers. Early partners include CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde, and Le Figaro.
What’s Next for Comet?
Perplexity says more features are on the way. Among them:
A mobile version of the Comet browser
A Background Assistant that can manage multiple tasks at once, even asynchronously
These updates could further differentiate Comet from rivals as AI browsers evolve into everyday digital assistants.
Bottom line: By making Comet free, Perplexity AI has positioned itself as a serious challenger in the AI-powered browsing race—offering not just convenience, but also partnerships with top publishers.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the next big update in tech and AI innovation.
