Perplexity wants to replace Google Search from your web browser – a wish that’s difficult to have on Chrome. However, on a browser like Mozilla Firefox, where Google doesn’t need to be the only search engine, Perplexity can have a good opportunity there. Hence, as part of a new development, the Perplexity search bot is now made available as an alternative search engine to Google, Bing, Yahoo and others.
Perplexity’s new partnership positions Firefox as one of the first major web browsers to directly embed a non-traditional, generative AI search service alongside conventional search giants like Google and Bing.
The Perplexity AI integration is also a clear attempt by the Mozilla, an open-source developer, to differentiate itself in a market dominated by browsers tied to first-party AI models. Microsoft’s Bing has Copilot integration in Edge and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is integrated within Chrome. For Firefox users, Perplexity will appear as a selectable search engine option within the address bar dropdown and search preferences menu.
As with the Perplexity website and apps, Firefox’s integration will let users get summarised and verifiable answers derived from multiple web sources.
Perplexity AI search on Mozilla Firefox web browser: Why this is crucial
Perplexity’s availability on Firefox underscores Mozilla’s commitment to providing choice for web explorers. Unlike Chrome and Edge, users get to choose their web browser of choice. Additionally, the deal hands Perplexity a massive distribution channel, giving it major exposure. Gaining visibility on a browser with a mega global reach is a significant win for the AI startup.
Perplexity recently did the same for mobile users in the Indian market by partnering with Bharti Airtel to extend the benefits of Perplexity Pro subscription for free. The 1-year trial encouraged a lot of consumers in India to try out the AI search engine for educational and research purposes, which in turn pushed the Perplexity app to the top of the Apple App Store and Google Play in India.
For users, it translates to having Perplexity waiting for you with all its AI might and capabilities, promising easy-to-understand responses to complex queries.
Where else can we use Perplexity as a default search engine?
Other than the iOS and Android apps, Perplexity is available by default on the newly released Comet web browser. Comet, which is Chromium-based, is designed as an agentic AI platform. On board is the Comet Assistant that executes complex and multi-step tasks like drafting emails, managing schedules, and performing research summarisation directly within a dedicated workspace interface.
