Perplexity has released the Comet AI-native browser for Android, marking its expansion into mobile devices. This follows a desktop launch in July 2023, with the company removing the waitlist in October. Though an iPhone version has been hinted, no release date has been confirmed.
New AI-Powered Features
The Android version of Comet introduces a one-tap Comet Assistant. This tool answers questions, performs actions for users, and transparently displays these actions for user intervention. The app also includes Voice Mode, allowing spoken interaction with the AI about open tabs, and a smart summarization feature to quickly gather relevant information from searches and tabs.
Privacy Enhancements
Comet for Android incorporates a built-in ad blocker deemed by Perplexity as the industry's most advanced native tool for blocking online distractions. This move might conflict with earlier comments from CEO Aravind Srinivas regarding the use of personalized ads for revenue generation. The app is free for Android users, with an iPhone version yet to be announced.
Strategic Rollout
Perplexity opted to prioritize Android potentially due to easier access to device resources, such as the microphone, enhancing voice interaction capabilities. This strategically positions Comet as a user-friendly AI browser tailored specifically for mobile use, rather than a simple transfer of the desktop experience to mobile devices.
