Perplexity AI, the startup backed by Nvidia that is developing an AI-powered search engine to compete with Google, has recently entered into talks with smartphone manufacturers to have its new mobile browser, Comet, preinstalled on devices by default.
The company’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, told Reuters that these negotiations could play a significant role in expanding the company’s user base.
Perplexity in Talks with Smartphone Makers to Preinstall Comet
Having Comet set as the default browser on smartphones could leverage a phenomenon known as browser stickiness, as users tend to stick with the browsers that come preinstalled or are set as the default on their devices. This behavior could lead to increased and consistent use of Perplexity’s AI tools.
However, Srinivas acknowledged that convincing OEMs to switch the default browser from Chrome to Comet is no easy task. He noted that users generally prefer to maintain the status quo, which presents a major challenge.
Currently available only in beta on desktop, Comet integrates Perplexity’s AI directly into the web browsing experience. It allows users to ask questions about personal data such as emails, calendars, and browsing history, and perform tasks like scheduling meetings or summarizing web pages.
Srinivas stated that once the desktop version is stabilized and reaches several hundred thousand test users, the company aims to attract tens to hundreds of millions of users next year.
This reflects a broader industry trend toward agentic AI browsers—browsers capable of making decisions and performing tasks with minimal human input.
In line with this trend, Reuters also reported that OpenAI is developing a similar browser that could automate tasks like booking trips or managing finances.
According to Statcounter, Google Chrome currently dominates the mobile browser market with a 70% share, while Apple’s Safari and Samsung’s browser together hold about 24%.
Additionally, a Bloomberg report from June revealed that Perplexity has been in talks with both Samsung and Apple to integrate its AI search technology into their devices. Such partnerships could enhance the performance of digital assistants like Siri and Bixby.
Perplexity recently completed a $500 million funding round, bringing its valuation to $14 billion, with investors including Accel, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos, and Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google.
