Perplexity AI, a startup backed by Nvidia, is actively exploring strategies to establish a solid presence in the mobile space through collaborations with smartphone makers. Aiming to rival Google’s dominance in search, the company is working to make its AI-driven search capabilities more readily available to users. As part of this effort, CEO Aravind Srinivas is negotiating with handset manufacturers to have Comet, Perplexity’s proprietary browser, preloaded on smartphones.
According to Reuters, Perplexity is seeking to have its Comet browser either designated as the default option or included as a pre-installed app on smartphones.
This approach closely resembles the strategy that propelled Google to mobile web dominance, with Chrome bundled on nearly every Android device and Safari tightly woven into Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Collectively, these two browsers account for roughly 94% of the worldwide mobile browser share. Now, Perplexity is aiming to carve out its own niche in the fiercely contested browser arena by introducing a fresh and unique alternative.
Perplexity positions Comet not as a conventional web browser:
Interestingly, Perplexity positions Comet not as a conventional web browser, but as a smart assistant powered by artificial intelligence. Unlike typical browsers, Comet is designed to help users go beyond simple web surfing.
Built on the Chromium framework—the same platform behind Chrome and several other popular browsers—Comet enables users to perform a variety of tasks such as searching the web, generating summaries of webpages, managing meeting schedules, and replying to emails, all seamlessly within the browser itself.
Perplexity was in talks with both Samsung Electronics and Apple:
In June, Bloomberg News reported that Perplexity was in talks with both Samsung Electronics and Apple about incorporating its AI-powered search technology into their devices, which could enhance digital assistants like Siri and Bixby.
Perplexity AI’s development of its own Comet browser followed Google’s earlier refusal to include it as a default search engine option on Chrome. This setback led CEO Aravind Srinivas to pursue an independent browser solution.
Furthermore, Apple has reportedly considered acquiring Perplexity AI, reflecting the startup’s increasing prominence in the tech landscape. The potential acquisition has been a topic of internal discussion among Apple’s top executives.
