On July 9, 2025, San Francisco-based startup Perplexity AI introduced Comet, an AI-powered web browser that’s set to transform how we use the internet. Comet is an “agentic” tool, which means it can do things like research, make appointments, and manage email on its own, unlike regular browsers like Chrome or Safari.
The launch has sparked a lot of talk, thanks to Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas’s bold claim that Comet could take over jobs that recruiters and administrative assistants usually do. This raises important questions for tech lovers all over the world about the future of work and browsing.
This article looks at the new features of the Comet AI browser, how they work, and how they could change the tech industry and the workforce. It does so with a clear, authoritative analysis based on verified data and expert opinions.
Background on Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI was started in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. Since then, it has become a leader in search technology powered by AI. It has a conversational search engine that uses large language models (LLMs) to give direct, cited answers, cutting out the clutter of traditional link-based searches.
This helps it achieve its goal of “democratizing access to knowledge.” Perplexity has grown since it released its main product on December 7, 2022. It now has a Chrome extension and mobile apps for iOS and Android. By July 2025, the company was worth $18 billion, thanks to big investors like Jeff Bezos and Yann LeCun. This made it a strong competitor to Google. Comet AI browser is the latest step by Perplexity to change the way people interact online.
Comet’s Features: A New Era of Browsing
Comet is more than just a browser; it’s a powerful productivity tool built on the Chromium framework. This means it works with Chrome extensions and has a familiar interface. At first, only Perplexity Max subscribers ($200/month) on Windows and Mac could use Comet. It combines Perplexity’s AI search engine with a new feature called Comet Assistant, which lets you automate tasks across websites without any problems.
Key Features and How They Work
| Feature | Description | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Unified AI Search | Delivers real-time, AI-generated summaries with citations directly in the browser. | Users enter queries in the search bar; Comet synthesizes web data into concise, sourced answers, streamlining research. |
| Comet Assistant | An AI agent that automates tasks like email summarization, tab management, and web navigation. | Accessible via a sidecar on any webpage, it interprets content and executes tasks like drafting emails or scheduling meetings. |
| Automation Across Sites | Enables multi-step tasks like shopping, scheduling, and research within the browser. | Integrates with tools like Gmail and LinkedIn to perform workflows, such as booking appointments or sourcing candidates, with minimal input. |
Unified AI Search
Comet’s default search engine is a Perplexity AI-powered system, which delivers instant, cited answers to queries. For example, f you search for “latest AI trends,” you’ll get an overview with sources, so you won’t have to look through a lot of links. This feature makes it easier for researchers, students, and professionals to get to information quickly and reliably.
Comet Assistant
The Comet Assistant is a game-changer that works like a digital sidekick. You can get to it from a sidecar on any webpage. It can:
- Summarize articles or YouTube videos.
- Compare products across open tabs.
- Draft and send emails or schedule meetings. For instance, a user can highlight text on a webpage and ask the Assistant to explain it or perform related research, all within the browser.
Automation Across Sites
Comet’s cross-site automation integrates with enterprise tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, and LinkedIn. If a user tells Comet to “book a meeting with Sarah next week,” it will check to see if Sarah is free, send an invitation, and update the calendar on its own. This feature cuts down on the need for multiple apps, making it easier for busy professionals to get things done.
Can Comet Replace Recruiters and Assistants?
Srinivas’s claim that Comet could replace recruiters and administrative assistants has sparked both excitement and skepticism. In an interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, he stated, “A recruiter’s work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs.” He envisions Comet automating tasks like:
- Sourcing Candidates: Identifying talent on LinkedIn.
- Outreach: Sending personalized emails.
- Response Tracking: Updating spreadsheets with candidate statuses.
- Scheduling: Arranging interviews and resolving conflicts.
- Meeting Preparation: Generating interview briefs.
Srinivas noted, “It’s not just about doing this one task, but you want it to keep following up… update the Google Sheets… sync with my Google calendar… and push me a brief ahead of the meeting.” However, he acknowledged that current AI models struggle with long-horizon tasks, though he’s optimistic about future advancements like GPT-5 or Claude 4.5.
For administrative assistants, Comet can summarize emails, prioritize messages, manage calendars, and generate reports. A TechRadar reviewer booked a restaurant reservation via Comet while multitasking, calling it “eye-opening.”
However, experts say that jobs that require emotional intelligence, like hiring people who fit in with the culture or planning strategically in administration, may still be focused on people.
Impact on the Tech Industry
The launch of Comet AI browser is a turning point for the tech industry because it pushes the limits in three important ways:
Competitive Disruption
Comet goes into a crowded market where it has to compete with Chrome, Safari, and new AI browsers like Opera Neon and Dia. Some of its strengths are:
- Deep AI Integration: Seamless search and automation are faster than regular browsers.
- User Base Leverage: People who use Perplexity’s search engine are already interested.
- Strategic Moves: Talks to pre-install Comet on smartphones could challenge Chrome’s dominance. However, convincing OEMs and scaling to millions of users remain hurdles.
Workforce Transformation
Comet’s automation capabilities could reshape white-collar roles. Srinivas tells professionals to adapt, saying, “People who are at the frontier of using AIs are going to be way more employable”. Automating tasks that are done over and over, like finding sources or making plans, is possible, but building relationships is still important.
| Role | Tasks Automated by Comet | Remaining Human Value |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter | Sourcing, outreach, response tracking, scheduling | Cultural fit assessment, relationship building |
| Administrative Assistant | Email triage, calendar management, document tracking | Strategic planning, interpersonal coordination |
Perplexity Comet is a bold leap toward an AI-driven future, where browsers become proactive partners in productivity. Its Unified AI Search, Comet Assistant, and cross-site automation make things run more smoothly than ever before, which could change the way we work and browse.
Srinivas’s idea of replacing recruiters and assistants is interesting, but human judgment and emotional intelligence are still very important. This means that AI will add to these jobs instead of taking them away. As Comet challenges industry giants and redefines browsing, it invites tech enthusiasts to rethink the internet’s role in our lives.
The future of work and web interaction is here—and AI powers it.
Also Read This: Why Tech Layoffs Are Rising in 2025 – And It’s Not Because of AI
Also Read This: Sam Altman Issues Stark Warning Ahead of ChatGPT-5 Launch
