Perplexity AI has officially launched its artificial intelligence-powered web browser, Comet, to users worldwide for free. The move marks a significant shift in strategy for the AI startup, as the browser was previously only available to its premium “Max” subscribers at a cost of $200 per month. Comet is designed to function as a personal assistant, capable of performing tasks like searching the web, organizing browser tabs, drafting emails, and assisting with online shopping.
A Strategic Move in the AI Browser Wars
By removing the price barrier, Perplexity is positioning Comet to compete directly with offerings from established tech giants. The launch intensifies the growing competition in the AI browser space, where Google recently integrated its Gemini model into the Chrome browser, Anthropic announced a browser-based AI agent, and OpenAI unveiled its own browser-based agent named Operator. Perplexity’s decision to provide free access to Comet is a clear strategy to attract a massive user base and challenge the dominance of existing players.
Beyond Search with New Features
While best known for its conversational search engine, Perplexity is expanding its ecosystem. Alongside the free Comet browser, the company has introduced Comet Plus, a subscription service giving users access to content from trusted publishers, with inaugural partners including CNN, The Washington Post, Condé Nast, and Fortune. Perplexity has also teased upcoming features to further enhance the user experience, including a mobile version of Comet and a “Background Assistant” capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously and asynchronously.
Relevance for the MENA Tech Scene
The global launch of a powerful, free tool like Comet holds significant implications for the tech community in the Middle East and North Africa. For founders, developers, and SMEs across the region, free access to an advanced AI assistant can drastically improve productivity, research capabilities, and operational efficiency without incurring high costs. The increased competition from major AI players like Perplexity is also likely to stimulate innovation among local and regional startups in the AI and productivity software sectors. As nations across MENA, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, push forward with ambitious digital transformation agendas, the widespread availability of such tools can accelerate the adoption of AI into daily business and personal workflows.
About Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a prominent artificial intelligence startup renowned for its conversational search engine that provides direct, cited answers to user queries. Positioned as a major competitor to traditional search engines, the company develops innovative AI tools, including the Comet browser, to redefine how users interact with information on the internet.
Source: Tech in Asia
