Perplexity AI Aims to Bring Comet Browser to Smartphones

Perplexity AI is reportedly in talks with mobile device manufacturers to have its Comet AI browser preinstalled on smartphones. This strategic move aims to increase the browser's reach by leveraging the tendency of users to stick with default browser apps on their devices.

The CEO and Co-Founder of Perplexity AI, Aravind Srinivas, acknowledged the challenge of convincing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to switch the default browser from established options like Chrome to Comet. Currently, Google Chrome holds a significant market share on mobile devices, with Apple and Samsung browsers also maintaining a strong presence.

Comet, which is currently in beta and available only in a desktop version, integrates Perplexity's AI directly into web browsing. This allows users to perform tasks such as asking questions about personal data and managing schedules. The company aims to target a large user base in 2026 after stabilizing the desktop version for initial testers.

This initiative is part of a broader industry trend towards browsers equipped with agentic AI capabilities, which require minimal human intervention to perform tasks. Other companies, such as OpenAI, are also developing similar AI-powered browsers to automate complex tasks.