Perplexity has begun sending invitations to a small group of early testers for a Windows version of its AI-native browser, Comet. The move, confirmed by CEO Aravind Srinivas, marks a critical expansion for the ambitious AI startup as it seeks to challenge the dominance of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. This next phase follows an exclusive launch for Mac users in May and signals Perplexity’s intent to bring its unique, research-focused browsing experience to the world’s largest desktop operating system.
While the company had initially targeted a mid-May 2025 release, it has since adopted a more phased rollout. The introduction of Comet to Windows is the latest development in Perplexity’s aggressive strategy to evolve from a simple “answer engine” into a comprehensive AI ecosystem. The company envisions a browser that moves beyond traditional search, using artificial intelligence to automate complex research tasks and streamline user workflows.
This expansion, however, comes as Perplexity navigates a series of significant controversies. The company faces mounting pressure over its data handling practices, allegations of improper content scraping from major publishers, and security concerns flagged in its mobile applications, creating a challenging backdrop for its ambitious product launch.
An AI-First Approach to Browsing
From its initial announcement on X in February, Comet has been positioned as a fundamental reimagining of the web browser. Built on the open-source Chromium project—the same foundation as its main rivals, Comet aims to differentiate itself through deep AI integration. CEO Aravind Srinivas has previously stated on X that the browser will deliver “core browsing improvements that Chrome hasn’t shipped for ages” by focusing on features like smarter deep research and basic agentic workflows.
According to Engadget, the browser can perform tasks like checking online shopping carts for discounts and surfacing unanswered emails. More advanced features include a “Try on” tool that generates an image of a user wearing a selected piece of clothing and the ability to reference open tabs within a single query, allowing the AI to synthesize information from multiple live sources.
While the company has touted the potential for fully autonomous AI agents to handle multi-step tasks like booking rental cars, Srinivas has also urged caution. In a March interview with Business Today, he noted, “Anyone saying agents will work in 2025 should be skeptical.” This measured skepticism reflects the immense technical challenges in creating reliable AI agents, a reality that tempers the industry’s hype.
Beyond the Browser: Building a Competitive Ecosystem
Comet is a cornerstone of Perplexity’s broader ambition to compete with Big Tech on multiple fronts. The company has rapidly expanded its product suite, launching a new productivity platform called Perplexity Labs, to automate project creation. It has also rolled out its conversational voice assistant for Android, and later for iOS. To diversify its revenue streams, Perplexity has also ventured into e-commerce with a “Buy with Pro” feature, powered by a partnership with Firmly.
This expansion is fueled by significant investor confidence. In May, Perplexity announced on its website a capital infusion of $500 million, bringing its valuation to $14 billion—a steep climb from its $9 billion valuation in December 2024. A key part of its growth strategy involves securing distribution deals, most notably a partnership with Motorola to pre-install its AI assistant on new Razr phones. Srinivas characterized the deal as being focused on user acquisition, explaining it was a “win-win for both of us” where Perplexity gets usage and Motorola gets new features. The company’s strategic value has not gone unnoticed; recent reports indicate that Meta attempted to acquire Perplexity before ultimately investing in a AI firm Scale AI.
Navigating a Minefield of Controversy
Despite its momentum, Perplexity faces significant headwinds. The Motorola deal itself highlights the challenge of competing with Google; testimony during the ongoing antitrust trial revealed that Google’s contracts prevent Perplexity from being set as the default assistant. The trial has also put a spotlight on the entire browser market, with an OpenAI executive testifying his company would consider acquiring Chrome if regulators forced a sale, viewing it as a critical “onramp” for AI tools.
More pointedly, Perplexity’s own practices have come under fire. In an April podcast interview on YouTube, Srinivas discussed the possibility of using browser data for targeted advertising, a move that drew considerable backlash over privacy concerns. He later clarified on social media that every user “will be given the option to not be part of the personalization.” The company’s mobile apps have also faced scrutiny. A security audit published by Appknox flagged several critical vulnerabilities in the company’s Android app, labeling it “unsafe” and warning of risks like data theft and reverse engineering.
Most recently, Perplexity has entered a public dispute with the BBC, which, has threatened legal action over alleged content scraping. Perplexity fired back, calling the claims “manipulative and opportunistic” and reflective of “a fundamental misunderstanding of technology, the internet and intellectual property law.” In response to broader publisher concerns, the company already 2024 launched a revenue-sharing program. These operational and reputational challenges show the difficult path Perplexity must navigate as it pushes its products into the mainstream.
