In a world where Chrome reigns supreme and default settings rule our digital routines, a quiet but bold move is taking shape—one that could redefine how we interact with our smartphones. Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI is betting big on its Comet AI mobile browser, a smart, AI-native platform that promises to bring agent-like intelligence straight into your web surfing experience. And it might be coming pre-installed on your next smartphone.
The Rise of Perplexity: From Underdog to $14 Billion Challenger
In case you haven’t heard, Perplexity AI is quickly becoming the dark horse of AI search. With backing from tech royalty like Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and Eric Schmidt, it recently closed a staggering $500 million funding round, valuing the company at $14 billion.
Now, it’s gunning for the big leagues—not just in AI search, but in mobile browsing.
📱 Comet: Not Just Another Browser
Comet isn’t your typical web browser. In fact, it barely feels like one. Built from the ground up to include Perplexity’s proprietary AI, Comet helps users:
- Ask questions about personal data (emails, calendars, browsing history)
- Summarize webpages instantly
- Schedule meetings with voice commands
- Automate day-to-day online tasks with agent-like precision
Think of it as your digital butler that happens to know the internet like the back of its silicon hand.
In Talks with OEMs: A Power Move to Take on Chrome
In an exclusive with Reuters, CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed that Perplexity is actively in discussions with phone makers to pre-install Comet as a default or alternate browser. While he admits it won’t be easy—”It’s not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome”—the intent is clear.
The goal? To ride the wave of browser stickiness—the idea that most users just stick with whatever browser comes pre-installed.
“We’re trying to create a new habit, not just a new browser,” Srinivas told Reuters.
The Browser Landscape: Who’s Dominating?
Here’s a quick look at mobile browser market share (as of June 2025, according to Statcounter):
| Browser | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Chrome | 70% |
| Safari + Samsung | 24% |
| Others | 6% |
With Chrome holding an iron grip on 70% of the mobile market, Perplexity is going full David vs. Goliath. But unlike other challengers, it’s armed with an AI slingshot.
Agentic AI: The Next Frontier
What sets Comet apart isn’t just design or speed—it’s its agentic AI capabilities. This is part of a growing trend in browsers that do more than display websites; they make decisions, take actions, and get things done.
Earlier this month, Reuters also reported that OpenAI is building a similar browser with agentic functions like:
- Booking travel
- Managing finances
- Performing multi-step tasks with little to no user input
So Perplexity isn’t just innovating—it’s moving fast to become one of the first to actually ship something in this emerging category
The Samsung and Apple Play
Perplexity isn’t shy about aiming high. According to Bloomberg, the company is in ongoing talks with Samsung and Apple, not just for browser inclusion, but potentially to enhance voice assistants like Bixby and Siri with its AI engine.
Imagine asking Siri a follow-up question and actually getting a useful answer? Yeah, we’re intrigued too.
Why This Matters: The Future of Search is Everywhere
Search isn’t just a Google monopoly anymore. It’s becoming decentralized, intelligent, and ambient. Instead of typing into a box, the next generation of users might simply speak into their device—or have their browser act before they even ask.
Here’s how Comet could disrupt the search ecosystem:
- Increased data privacy: AI runs on-device, reducing server-side tracking
- Hyper-personalization: Learns user preferences without being creepy
- Time-saving workflows: Summarizes or completes tasks on command
- Seamless productivity: Deep integration with calendar, email, and to-do apps
Analyst Take: “They’re Playing the Long Game”
Tech analyst Lisa Chen from FutureInsight told us:
“If Comet gets pre-installed—even as an option—it’s a huge win. People underestimate how much default settings shape behavior. It’s the Trojan horse strategy.”
Big Goals, Big Risks, Bigger Rewards
Perplexity is betting that Comet will be the browser of choice for the AI-first generation. It’s not just building a browser—it’s redefining how we use the internet on mobile.
Will it dethrone Chrome? Probably not overnight. But if even 10% of users switch, it could mean tens of millions of new users and a major shakeup in mobile search.
Let’s just say—Google’s not going to sleep easy tonight.
