Perplexity Launches Comet AI Browser in India: A New Era of Agentic Browsing

Perplexity AI has officially introduced its Comet AI Browser in India, marking a bold step into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic internet markets. Unlike traditional browsers, Comet is designed as an AI-first platform, seamlessly blending a familiar Chromium-based framework with an intelligent sidebar that acts less like a tool and more like a partner in productivity.

Comet is currently available to Perplexity Pro subscribers on Windows and macOS, with Android pre-orders live and iOS support coming soon. This launch is more than a software release—it’s a statement about the future of browsing and how AI is set to reshape online experiences.

What Is Comet AI Browser?

At its core, Comet provides the familiarity of Chromium, the same open-source technology that powers Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. But what sets it apart is its “agentic” AI sidebar, always active and ready to engage.

This AI-powered assistant can:

• Execute multi-step workflows across multiple tabs.
• Compare product prices and reviews in real-time.
• Draft, edit, and send emails.
• Schedule meetings and manage calendars.
• Complete transactions on behalf of users (with authorization).

Perplexity frames this shift as moving from “browsing to thinking”—positioning Comet as a cognitive partner rather than just a passive interface.

How do I choose the right AI?

Key Features of Comet AI Browser

1. Always-On Agentic AI
   The sidebar doesn’t just answer queries—it understands context, carries tasks forward, and helps reduce tab clutter by keeping workflows continuous rather than fragmented.
2. Privacy & Security
   Comet stores browsing history and AI interactions locally, protected by end-to-end encryption by default. It also integrates with trusted password managers for secure authentication.
3. Enterprise-Ready Design
   Beyond individual users, Perplexity highlights Comet’s enterprise potential. With admin controls and compliance features, it aims to position itself as a secure AI-enhanced browser for businesses.
4. Cross-Platform Rollout
   While Windows and macOS users can access it now, Android pre-orders are live, and iOS users can expect support in the near future—making it a truly cross-device AI browser.

Why India?

India represents the largest internet population outside China, with a rapidly growing base of digitally savvy users. By launching Comet AI here, Perplexity is not only targeting a massive market but also testing how agentic AI integrates into everyday digital workflows.

To strengthen its footprint, the company has partnered with Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators. As part of the deal, millions of Airtel customers will receive one year of complimentary access to Perplexity Pro.

Additionally, Perplexity is hiring locally, signaling a deeper investment in India’s tech ecosystem and workforce.

Challenges Ahead

While Comet AI’s features sound groundbreaking, its path forward comes with hurdles:

• Regulatory Concerns: Indian regulators and publishers may scrutinize how an AI-driven browser scrapes, summarizes, and automates tasks across the open web.
• Competition: Giants like Google and Microsoft could integrate similar AI functionalities into Chrome and Edge, putting pressure on Perplexity’s unique value proposition.
• Adoption Curve: While India is a digital powerhouse, convincing everyday users to switch from well-established browsers may require sustained awareness and trust-building.

The Bigger Picture: Browsing Reimagined

Comet AI’s debut isn’t just about launching another browser—it’s about redefining what browsers can do. By embedding agentic AI directly into the browsing experience, Perplexity is betting on a future where users don’t just navigate the web but actively collaborate with AI to get things done.

If successful, this could usher in a paradigm shift where browsers evolve from passive gateways into intelligent digital partners—reshaping not only personal productivity but also enterprise workflows.

FAQs

1. What makes Comet AI different from Chrome or Edge?
Unlike traditional browsers, Comet integrates an always-on AI assistant capable of handling multi-step tasks, reducing tab clutter, and acting as a productivity partner.

2. Is Comet AI Browser available for free?
Currently, Comet is available only to Perplexity Pro subscribers, though Airtel users in India can access it for free for a year under a partnership deal.

3. Does Comet compromise privacy?
No. Perplexity emphasizes local storage with end-to-end encryption, alongside integrations with password managers to maintain strong privacy safeguards.

4. Can businesses use Comet AI Browser?
Yes. The browser includes enterprise-focused features such as admin controls and compliance tools, making it suitable for corporate environments.

5. When will Comet AI be available on mobile?
Android pre-orders are open, while iOS support is expected soon, completing its multi-platform rollout.

Final Thoughts

The Comet AI Browser is not just an experiment; it’s a signpost for where internet navigation is heading. By choosing India as its launchpad, Perplexity is tapping into a massive and digitally mature audience, testing how far agentic AI can go in real-world scenarios.

Whether Comet becomes a mainstream player or remains a niche innovation depends on adoption, competition, and regulation—but one thing is clear: the future of browsing will not look like the past.