Perplexity AI Pursues Partnerships for Comet Browser Pre-Installation

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its market presence, Perplexity AI, a startup backed by Nvidia, is currently engaged in discussions with several mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its innovative Comet browser on smartphones. This initiative, as outlined by CEO Aravind Srinivas, could significantly expand the user base of the Comet browser, capitalizing on the tendency of users to favor pre-installed applications—an effect known as 'browser stickiness.' This approach is expected to drive habitual usage of Perplexity's AI tools integrated within the browser.

The Comet browser, which is presently in beta testing for desktop users, distinguishes itself by integrating advanced AI capabilities that allow users to interact with personal data, such as managing emails, scheduling meetings, and summarizing web pages. By targeting 'tens to hundreds of millions' of users in the next year, Perplexity aims to transition from its initial testing phase successfully.

Srinivas highlighted the challenges posed by user inertia on mobile platforms, noting, 'It’s not easy to convince mobile OEMs to change the default browser to Comet from Chrome.' Google Chrome currently dominates the market with approximately 70% share among mobile users, while competitors like Apple’s Safari and Samsung’s browsers hold nearly 24%, according to market analysis by Statcounter.

The discussions with major manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, are not only strategic for Perplexity but also reflect a broader trend in the tech industry towards developing browsers with agentic AI capabilities—those that require minimal human intervention for task execution. Reports indicate that OpenAI is also developing a web browser aimed at automating complex tasks, intensifying competition in this burgeoning market.

Perplexity's recent funding round raised $500 million, valuing the company at $14 billion, with notable investors including Accel, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. This financial backing is indicative of the growing interest in AI-driven technologies and their potential to revolutionize user interaction with web browsing.

In conclusion, if successful, Perplexity AI’s initiative to integrate its Comet browser into smartphones could reshape the landscape of mobile web browsing, challenging established players and fostering a new era of AI-enhanced internet navigation. As the company continues its dialogues with OEMs, the future of user engagement with AI technologies is poised for significant change, potentially leading to a reevaluation of how consumers interact with their digital environments.