Perplexity's Comet: an agentic AI browser for hands-free web tasks

Perplexity’s Comet browser is being pitched as a new kind of AI-powered tool that does more than merely assist with web tasks. Built into a Chromium-based browser, Comet is designed to automate the browsing process itself—reading emails, scheduling meetings, comparing prices, filling out forms, navigating pages, and managing routine workflows—through voice or text prompts. Access is limited to Perplexity Max subscribers, with Pro users able to join a waitlist or receive an invitation. The approach marks a shift from “AI in the sidebar” to an integrated, agentic browsing experience that can operate across the user’s web activity.

Comet offers three distinct interaction modes that aim to minimize manual input. Voice Mode, activated by a mic icon near the search bar, lets users speak URLs or queries and move the browser forward without typing. Voice Assistant mode works similarly to an assistant on a mobile platform, enabling actions such as checking emails, confirming account messages, adding items to a cart, or fact-checking content without opening new tabs. There is also a dictation option, allowing spoken instructions to be translated into browser actions. While the hands-free...