Perplexity Expands Its AI Browser Comet To Android Users The AI search race is heating up as Perplexity continues the rollout of its AI-powered browser, Comet. The application is now available for download on Android mobile devices through the Google Play Store, marking a significant expansion of its user base. Comet initially debuted this summer, but its launch was an exclusive affair, available only to Perplexity’s premium subscribers on the high-cost Pro plan, which runs two hundred dollars a month. Last month, the company dramatically widened access, making Comet free for all users. This move to the Google Play Store brings the Android version in line with its availability on other platforms. The mobile version of Comet retains the core features that define the desktop experience. Users have direct access to Perplexity’s AI assistant, which can provide summarized answers to search queries. The assistant is also interactive, supporting voice commands for a more hands-free and conversational search process. Behind the scenes, Perplexity has been transparent about its strategic motives for launching a browser. A key goal is the collection of customer data, which the company intends to use for more effective and targeted advertising. This approach highlights the evolving business models in the AI space, where user data remains a valuable commodity for monetization. Perplexity is far from alone in this endeavor. The tech industry is witnessing a broad push to deeply integrate artificial intelligence into the fundamental web browsing experience. However, these ambitious efforts are not without controversy and have already sparked friction with major players like Amazon. Disputes have arisen, particularly concerning the role of AI in the online shopping ecosystem and how it might disrupt or redirect consumer purchasing pathways. Furthermore, the rapid integration of AI into everyday tools like browsers presents new opportunities for malicious actors. Security experts warn that these sophisticated AI interfaces could become powerful new vectors for scammers, potentially leading to more convincing and large-scale fraudulent schemes. The widespread availability of Comet on Android signals a new phase of competition, bringing AI-powered search directly into the pockets of a massive global user base.
