A Browser Built for an AI World

For years, web browsers have looked and behaved more or less the same. Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox — they all let us type in a URL, open dozens of tabs, and hop from one website to another. Artificial intelligence usually entered the picture only as a plugin, an add-on, or a separate app.

Now, Perplexity AI, a startup that has rapidly become a household name in the AI-search space, is betting that the browser itself can be re-invented. The company has launched its Comet AI browser in India, and the move signals a bold attempt to transform browsing from a passive experience into something more agentic, context-aware, and action-oriented.

With India’s internet population crossing 800 million users and counting, this debut is more than a product launch — it’s a strategic gamble on one of the world’s most dynamic digital markets.

Why India Matters to Perplexity

Perplexity’s timing makes sense. India has:

• The second largest online population in the world.
• A tech-hungry younger generation eager to adopt productivity tools.
• Rapidly growing digital infrastructure, from 5G to fintech.
• Price-sensitive users who can, if won over, generate massive network effects.

By making India one of the first international destinations for Comet, Perplexity is declaring that the country isn’t just a secondary market — it’s a frontline battleground where the future of AI-native browsing may be decided.

What Exactly Is Comet?

At its simplest, Comet is a web browser built on Chromium, the same foundation as Chrome and Edge. That means it works with standard web pages and supports extensions. But the resemblance ends there.

Unlike traditional browsers that mostly stay out of your way, Comet places an AI assistant at the center of your browsing experience.

Here’s what makes it different:

• AI Sidebar Always On

A permanent sidebar where you can chat with the AI, ask questions, or give commands.

For example: “Summarize this article in 5 bullet points,” or “Check hotel options under ₹5,000 near Delhi Airport.”

• Task Continuity

Instead of treating every tab as an isolated window, Comet connects them. If you’re planning a trip, comparing flights, and reading hotel reviews, the AI can recognize it as one project and help you complete it.

• Multi-Step Automation

The AI can string together tasks: research, compare, draft an email, and schedule a meeting, all from within the browser.

• Privacy by Design

Perplexity claims that browsing history and user data are stored locally with encryption, giving users more control than typical cloud-centric AI tools.

• Fewer Tabs, More Focus

Instead of juggling 20 open tabs, the AI organizes information for you, trimming clutter and helping you act faster.

In short, Comet wants to be less like Chrome or Firefox, and more like a co-pilot that browses alongside you.

The Indian Rollout: Limited but Ambitious

The launch is currently exclusive to Pro subscribers. That means only users paying for Perplexity’s premium plan can download Comet on Windows and macOS.

Android: The app is available for pre-order, with rollout expected soon.

iOS: Likely coming, but no confirmed date yet.

This staggered release shows that Perplexity is being cautious. Instead of flooding the market with a beta-like product, it wants to test functionality in controlled conditions.

Partnerships Sweeten the Deal

To overcome India’s price sensitivity, Perplexity has struck a clever deal:

Bharti Airtel Partnership → Millions of Airtel users will receive one year of complimentary Pro access. That means free entry into the Comet ecosystem without extra cost.

This is a classic “land and expand” strategy — seed the product through partnerships, let users get hooked, and then transition them into paying subscribers later.

What Users Can Do With Comet: Everyday Examples

Let’s step into a user’s shoes to see how Comet might work in daily life:

• Shopping

You type: “Find the best price for Samsung Galaxy S25 in India.”

Comet checks Amazon, Flipkart, and Reliance Digital, compares specs, and suggests the cheapest option.

• Work Research

You’re writing a report on renewable energy.

Comet summarizes ten articles, highlights recurring themes, and drafts a skeleton outline for your presentation.

• Travel Planning

Instead of juggling multiple tabs, you ask: “Book me a 3-day stay in Jaipur with flights from Mumbai under ₹25,000.”

Comet fetches flight and hotel options, compares them, and prepares a booking link.

• Email & Meetings

You drag a webpage into the sidebar and ask: “Turn this into a professional email draft.”

Or: “Check my calendar and suggest a meeting slot with Rohan next week.”

This isn’t just faster browsing — it’s browsing plus productivity.

Strengths That Could Win India

Solves Tab Overload

Many Indian users juggle phones or laptops with modest RAM. Fewer tabs + AI assistance equals smoother experiences.

• Local Storage Advantage

Privacy is a growing concern. By promising encryption and local control, Comet could earn trust faster than competitors.

• Enterprise Potential

Businesses in India, from startups to SMEs, might adopt Comet as a secure productivity browser for employees.

• First-Mover Advantage

While Chrome and Edge add AI features, they still think like traditional browsers. Comet, built AI-first, may feel more natural to digital natives.

• Telco Distribution

The Airtel deal ensures millions of free users right away — a smart way to bypass the “paid barrier.”

Challenges Ahead

But Comet also faces hurdles:

• Paywall Barrier

Many Indian users are reluctant to pay for premium subscriptions. Even with Airtel freebies, scaling beyond early adopters will be tough.

• Security Risks

Recent audits by cybersecurity experts raised red flags about potential loopholes in Comet’s design — especially risks around phishing and malicious code execution. In India, where scams are common, this could become a trust issue.

• Competition From Giants

Google’s Gemini-powered Chrome and Microsoft’s Edge with Copilot are powerful incumbents with billions of users. Convincing Indians to switch browsers will be an uphill climb.

• Regulatory Scrutiny

India has tightened its digital data laws. Any browser that automates content usage and AI summaries could face legal tests from publishers and regulators.

• Performance Constraints

AI features can be heavy on resources. On budget Android phones, Comet must prove it can run smoothly without draining battery or data.