TLDRs:
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Perplexity has launched a beta version of its AI-powered Comet browser for Windows, following its initial rollout on Apple Silicon Macs.
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The browser transforms web use from passive searching to active assistance, helping users with tasks like finding discounts and managing emails.
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Comet’s advanced features, such as virtual clothing try-ons and AI-driven recommendations, raise growing concerns over data collection and privacy.
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A public release date has not yet been announced, but interest is high as Perplexity opens a waitlist and accelerates development for Android.
Perplexity AI is broadening access to its experimental Comet browser, which is now being tested by select users on the Windows platform.
The company’s CEO Aravind Srinivas announced the rollout on X, confirming that invites had been sent to early adopters.
Comet Comes to Windows
This comes just weeks after Comet debuted on Apple Silicon Macs , underscoring the startup’s ambition to reshape how people experience the internet.
Comet is not a typical browser. Rather than acting as a passive gateway to information, it’s designed to be an active agent. It answers user questions directly, monitors shopping carts for better deals, and flags unanswered emails. In a nod to personalization, it even includes a “Try on” tool, which lets users upload photos to virtually test clothing. Though a public launch date has yet to be confirmed, Perplexity is already preparing an Android version, reportedly ahead of schedule.
Reimagining Web Browsing With AI
The arrival of Comet marks what many see as a new era in browser innovation, joining the ranks of text-only, graphical, and mobile-optimized predecessors. What sets this new generation apart is its embrace of artificial intelligence to proactively assist users. Comet doesn’t just display search results. It attempts to understand the intent behind queries and deliver tailored responses, a leap from traditional browsing toward what industry watchers are calling “agentic” computing.
This evolution has sparked a competitive race. Other players like Opera and The Browser Company are experimenting with similar approaches. Each is targeting a unique segment of user behavior, from creative writing tools to AI-infused address bars. However, Comet’s focus on real-world productivity, such as shopping, email, and task management, positions it as a practical solution in both personal and professional settings.
Privacy Questions Loom
Despite the innovation, Comet’s approach raises critical questions about user privacy. Recent comments by Perplexity suggesting the browser could gather data beyond the app have triggered concern. Given the browser’s ability to access sensitive information like shopping habits and visual uploads, the risk of overreach is not hypothetical.
With regulatory frameworks like GDPR emphasizing data minimization and user consent, developers face increasing scrutiny. A growing number of users are beginning to question how much of their behavior is being tracked and for what purpose. According to a 2024 study, fewer than one in five organizations using AI have formal privacy protections in place, underscoring the gap between innovation and governance.
That said, while Perplexity’s Comet browser remains in limited release, interest is building rapidly. A waitlist for broader access is already underway, and if early feedback is positive, the company may find itself at the forefront of a new chapter in internet navigation. Whether it can balance innovation with accountability, however, may ultimately define its long-term impact.
