Perplexity's AI-Native Browser Comet is HERE

Introduction and First Impressions 00:00

• The host received early access to Comet, Perplexity's new AI-first browser, and shares initial impressions.
• Describes a future where web browsing is handled by AI agents performing tasks on behalf of users.
• Comet is a fork of Google Chrome, offering instant setup by importing existing Chrome settings, bookmarks, and extensions.
• Noted for being surprisingly fast, with web pages loading much quicker than Chrome.

Core Features and Rationale for a Native Browser 01:37

• Comet is positioned as an AI-first browser, distinguishing itself from simply using Perplexity through a website.
• AI agents run locally within the browser instead of relying on cloud-based environments.
• Running locally avoids the friction of re-authenticating for each session and allows agents to use existing context and logins.
• Perplexity seeks to reduce platform risk by building its own browser rather than being dependent on other browser ecosystems like Chrome or Safari.
• Native integration offers seamless use of Perplexity for all searches and new tabs, with an assistant button available at all times.

Assistant Capabilities and Use Cases 04:26

• The assistant button enables users to interact with Perplexity directly in the browser, performing tasks or extracting information from active tabs.
• Examples include summarizing YouTube videos (by analyzing transcripts and descriptions) and performing parallel tasks across tabs.
• Offers chain-of-thought explanations for completed tasks, although screenshots of individual steps are not saved after completion.
• Demonstrated use in managing LinkedIn connection requests, such as finding and accepting multiple requests in bulk.

Automation in Action: Practical Tests and Limitations 07:25

• Tested the ability to find and accept LinkedIn requests, which worked smoothly; only feedback was the need for more transparency about step-by-step actions.
• Tried to reply to a top comment on his YouTube channel; the assistant could locate and draft a reply but was blocked from posting automatically due to platform restrictions.
• For finding store inventory (e.g., checking for "Switch 2" in stock), the assistant provided a list of sites and could check stock status if explicitly instructed.
• Comet can access Google Calendar and list meetings, and even perform actions on Twitter like quote-tweeting, but sometimes inserts automatic attributions (e.g., “created with comet assistant”) without user request.
• Mixed results when performing certain browser actions, such as clicking links on Twitter, sometimes requiring repeated prompts.

Vision for AI-Native Browsing and Future Outlook 13:27

• Foresees a future where users delegate most web interactions to AI agents, with workflows running in parallel to achieve tasks efficiently.
• Envisions agents managing routine activities (e.g., booking travel, shopping) with minimal user intervention.
• Suggests AI agents will help users sift through growing web “noise” and find valuable content.
• The current version of Comet shows promise but still has areas needing improvement.
• Encourages viewers to try Comet and share feedback.