From Perplexity To Open AI: AI Browsers Are Here But What Do They Actually Do?

Move over Chrome and Safari, there’s a new wave of AI-powered web browsers ready to shake things up. First to fire its shot is Perplexity, a rising AI startup that has recently launched Comet, its first AI-powered browser, determined to change how we search and browse. Not far behind is OpenAI, reportedly on the verge of launching its browser, which could rival Google Chrome itself. So, what’s all the buzz about? Are these AI browsers just smarter versions of what we already use, or is this the beginning of a total rewrite of how we experience the web? Before we delve deeper into ‘how’, let’s take a look at what these newly launched AI-powered browsers are.

Perplexity’s Comet

Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI has recently announced the launch of Comet, its new AI-powered web browser. This move signals Perplexity AI’s official entry into the competitive browser space, with Comet designed to replace conventional browsing methods through agentic AI that can think, act, and make decisions on behalf of users.

According to the reports, the browser offers a unified interface where users can ask questions, carry out tasks, and conduct research. It features a built-in assistant that can compare products, summarise information, schedule meetings, and simplify complex tasks into natural, conversational interactions.

Currently, Comet is available to Perplexity Max subscribers who pay $200 (around Rs 17,200) per month, with wider access expected to roll out via invitation throughout the summer.

But the real show-stealer is Comet Assistant, a new AI sidekick designed to lend a hand with all the fiddly tasks we typically put off. Need your emails summarised? Tabs organised? Calendar sorted? The assistant got it covered. With a neat “sidecar” feature, the AI can peer at whatever web page you’re on and answer questions in real time, making multitasking feel a little less like juggling knives.

If Comet sounds a bit like a browser with a built-in PA, that’s the idea. Perplexity wants to move past being just a search engine and instead become the go-to tool people use to navigate the digital world. In doing so, it’s also aiming to bypass Chrome entirely.

Of course, Google hasn’t exactly been caught snoozing. The tech giant has already been injecting its own AI magic into Chrome, with features like AI-powered writing help and the eerily similar “AI Overview” in Search. But now another heavyweight is stepping into the ring soon: OpenAI.

OpenAI AI-powered browser

According to multiple sources who spoke with Reuters, OpenAI is preparing to launch its own AI web browser in the coming weeks. While details are still under wraps, the browser is expected to bring the power of ChatGPT directly into the browsing experience.

Rather than relying on the old model of “click, read, repeat”, OpenAI’s browser may keep users inside a more conversational, chat-based interface. In other words, you might not even need to open multiple tabs or dig through pages of results; the browser could simply tell you what you need to know, when you need it. Think of it as a fusion of traditional web surfing with an ever-present, AI-powered concierge.

What does an AI-powered browser do?

All-in-all, an AI-powered browser like Comet integrates artificial intelligence directly into the web browsing experience to enhance how users interact with the internet. Instead of relying solely on manual searches and navigation, it allows users to ask questions, perform tasks, and get real-time assistance through a conversational interface.

The AI can summarise content, compare products, automate workflows, and even make decisions on behalf of the user. This transforms traditional browsing into a more intuitive and efficient process, aiming to reduce clicks and streamline tasks, essentially acting as a smart assistant embedded within the browser environment.

So, are AI browsers the future? Or just another tech fad with a fancy name? Early signs suggest these aren’t just novelties. They’re a serious reimagining of what a browser can do, from passive tool to active assistant.