Perplexity Comet AI Browser Now Free – Background Assistant

Perplexity, the AI search startup, has officially made its Comet AI browser free for all users worldwide. Previously available only to subscribers of the $200-per-month Max plan, Comet has gained significant attention, with millions signing up on the waitlist since its initial launch three months ago.

The Comet browser offers a sidecar AI assistant that helps you navigate web pages, summarize content, answer questions, and manage tasks. While free users can access the sidecar assistant, Max subscribers unlock advanced capabilities, including high-performance AI models, an email assistant, and the newly launched background assistant.

Background Assistant – Multi-Task AI for Max Users

Perplexity’s background assistant is described as “a team of assistants working for you,” capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Users can assign tasks such as sending emails, booking flights, or adding items to a shopping cart, and monitor progress through a central dashboard. The assistant notifies users when tasks are completed, allowing them to intervene or take over if needed.

The assistant also includes better connectors, allowing access to other applications on your computer, making it highly versatile for workflow automation. Max users also enjoy early access to new Perplexity products and features, including Comet Plus, an AI-enhanced alternative to Apple News.

Other Comet Features

Free Comet users can enjoy tools like:

• Discover: Personalized news and content recommendations
• Spaces: Organize projects efficiently
• Shopping: Compare prices and find deals
• Travel: Aggregate flight, accommodation, and destination info
• Finance: Track expenses and investments
• Sports: Updates on scores, schedules, and news

Comet Plus subscriptions ($5/month for free users, automatic for Pro/Max users) unlock further AI enhancements, including advanced content generation, file analysis, and premium model access.

With this move, Perplexity positions Comet to compete with Google Chrome, OpenAI’s AI-powered browser, and The Browser Company’s Dia, emphasizing productivity and AI-driven browsing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Is the Comet AI browser now free?
A: Yes, Perplexity has made Comet free for all users worldwide.

Q2: What is the background assistant?
A: It’s an AI feature for Max users that handles multiple tasks simultaneously and allows monitoring via a dashboard.

Q3: Can free users access Comet Plus?
A: Yes, free users can subscribe to Comet Plus for $5 per month for AI-enhanced content features.

Q4: What tools are available in the Comet browser?
A: Discover, Spaces, Shopping, Travel, Finance, and Sports tools are available to all users.

Q5: How does Comet compete with other browsers?
A: By integrating AI productivity features, task automation, and personalized browsing experiences.