amynicole – Search AI company Perplexity is focusing on internet browsers to drive future growth. This year, the company launched its own browser, Comet, which integrates AI from the ground up. Comet offers real-time information and AI-powered search, available to Pro and Max subscribers at $20 and $200 per month, respectively. Perplexity plans to release a free version of Comet later and expand it beyond Mac and PC to more platforms and devices in global markets very soon.
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During the summer, Perplexity actively explored acquiring established browsers. It publicly bid $1 billion for Brave, a privacy and security-focused browser. Additionally, Perplexity held talks with DuckDuckGo and The Browser Co., makers of the Arc browser, but these discussions stalled. The company’s efforts show a clear strategy to embed itself deeply into the browser ecosystem, recognizing browsers as key gateways for AI-powered search tools.
Perplexity’s CEO sees browsers as the ideal platform to blend AI capabilities with everyday internet use. The Comet browser represents this vision, aiming to offer users an AI-enhanced browsing experience that goes beyond traditional search engines.
The $34.5 Billion Chrome Bid and Industry Reactions
In a surprising move, Perplexity offered $34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome. This bid came as regulators prepare to potentially order a breakup of Google’s search business. Perplexity aimed to position itself early in the search market by owning Chrome, the dominant browser worldwide.
Industry experts doubt the bid’s seriousness, viewing it more as a publicity stunt. Perplexity itself is valued at approximately $18 to $20 billion, making the offer unusually large. Observers liken it to the company’s earlier high-profile but unlikely TikTok acquisition attempt. Despite skepticism, the bid highlights Perplexity’s aggressive approach to expanding its presence. With talks on Brave, DuckDuckGo, and Arc browsers having stalled, the company chose a bold public gesture to draw attention.
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Meanwhile, Perplexity continues developing Comet and plans to grow its user base through both paid and free tiers. As browsers become essential platforms for AI tools, Perplexity’s moves underscore a growing trend where AI companies aim to control both search and browsing environments. It also reflects rising competition in the generative AI space.
Looking ahead, Perplexity’s success will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling AI browsing experience and to secure partnerships or acquisitions that increase its market footprint. The company must also address user trust, ensure data privacy, and continually innovate to stay ahead of larger, more established competitors.
