United States - In a move that signals the next phase of consumer AI, Perplexity AI has launched its Comet browser for Android, bringing a fully AI-integrated web experience to the world's most popular mobile platform. The browser, which became free for all users on desktop in October 2025, is now extending its promise of a smarter, more assistive internet to smartphones at no cost. Comet for Android is engineered to be a constant companion for the curious, transforming the device into a powerful research and productivity tool.
The core innovation of Comet lies in its seamless AI integration. The browser features the Comet Assistant, a personal AI that is accessible with one tap and is context-aware of the user's entire browsing session. This allows for unique functionalities such as "smart summarization," where the assistant can distill key points from a collection of open tabs, not just the active page. Furthermore, users can "chat with their tabs," asking the assistant questions that require an understanding of content spread across multiple sources.
Perplexity has tailored the Android experience to leverage mobile strengths. The browser includes sophisticated voice mode technology, enabling hands-free interaction where users can verbally ask the assistant questions about their open research. Recognizing the particular annoyance of intrusive ads on small screens, Comet comes with a built-in ad blocker to create a cleaner, more focused browsing environment, though users retain control to whitelist sites they support.
The launch intensifies the competition in the rapidly evolving AI browser market. Comet for Android enters a space where OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas is not yet available on mobile and where Google's Chrome is augmenting its service with Gemini AI. Perplexity's offering is distinct for being conceived as an AI-native product from the start, rather than a traditional browser with AI features added later. This foundational approach is central to its value proposition.
The company's decision to launch on Android first was influenced by strong interest from device makers and mobile network operators. This partner-focused strategy suggests an aim to achieve widespread distribution through pre-installation deals, similar to a past partnership with Motorola for its search app. Making the browser free is a critical part of this growth strategy, lowering the barrier to entry and encouraging widespread trial against entrenched competitors.
As with any technology that grants an AI agent the ability to act and gather information, new security paradigms are required. Perplexity has openly acknowledged that the agentic capabilities of browsers like Comet introduce novel security considerations that must be addressed with a redesigned approach to safety. This responsible stance is part of engaging with the broader dialogue about the safe deployment of powerful AI tools.
The development roadmap for Comet on Android indicates Perplexity's commitment to continuous improvement. The company has announced that features like an enhanced conversational agent for executing multi-step tasks and a built-in password manager are slated for release in the near future. These planned enhancements will further bridge the gap between a conventional browser and a comprehensive AI-powered operating environment for the mobile web.