Perplexity AI Negotiates with Phone Makers to Pre-Install Comet Browser
Perplexity AI, backed by Nvidia and known for its AI-driven search engine challenging Google, is in talks with mobile device manufacturers to have its Comet browser pre-installed on smartphones. This move could expand Perplexity’s user base significantly by leveraging the tendency of users to stick with default or pre-installed browsers.
CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged the challenge: convincing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to replace the dominant Chrome browser on mobile devices is no small feat. Currently in beta and limited to desktop, Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI directly into the browser experience. It allows users to query personal data such as emails, calendars, or browsing history, and perform actions like scheduling meetings or summarizing web pages.
Targeting Millions of Users with AI-Enhanced Browsing
After stabilizing the desktop beta with several hundred thousand users, Perplexity plans to reach tens to hundreds of millions of users next year. This aligns with a growing shift toward browsers featuring agentic AI—tools capable of making decisions and completing tasks with minimal human input.
For context, Google’s Chrome holds about 70% of the mobile browser market, while Apple’s Safari and Samsung’s browsers share roughly 24%, according to Statcounter data. This entrenched dominance means Perplexity must overcome significant user inertia to gain a foothold.
Industry Moves Toward AI-Integrated Browsers
Other players are also developing AI-powered browsers. OpenAI is reportedly working on an agentic AI browser capable of automating complex tasks like booking travel or managing finances. Meanwhile, Perplexity is in discussions with Samsung and Apple to integrate its AI search functions into their devices, potentially enhancing voice assistants such as Bixby and Siri.
Perplexity recently closed a $500 million funding round valuing the company at $14 billion. Investors include Accel, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
- Comet Browser Features: AI-powered search, personal data querying, task automation (e.g., scheduling, summarizing)
- Market Context: Chrome dominates mobile browsers (~70%), Safari and Samsung share ~24%
- Strategic Moves: Talks with Samsung and Apple, focus on default browser placement
Those interested in AI-powered tools and browser technology can explore AI tools and courses to understand how these innovations impact workflows and daily tech use.
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