Perplexity AI takes on Google with new Comet browser launching in May
Perplexity AI is going to war with Google by launching its own browser – Comet – and it’s coming in May.
The company, under the stewardship of CEO Aravind Srinivas, is planning to launch a web browser that’ll sit alongside its popular search app. However, during a recent episode of the TBPN podcast, Srinivas revealed the browser will aim to collect data on users outside of the app.
That data will be used to build a better profile of users, which can then be used to serve them more relevant advertising.
“We want to get data even outside the app to better understand you,” Srinivas said. “For example, if we know what you’re buying and what you’re browsing, we can build a better profile of you. If we can understand your purchasing habits and your browsing habits, we can serve you ads that are more relevant to you.”
Srinivas says this is the same strategy that has enabled Google to dominate the ad space and, ultimately, he says it’ll be better for users who’ll see more engaging ads.
Perplexity is also teaming up with Motorola to have its app pre-installed on the Razr series and is reportedly in talks with Samsung too. However, while the company is looking to build its user base quickly, there’s a wider industry conversation about whether people want their data harvested by more companies to fuel the ad machine.
Meta and Apple are also in the crosshairs for public distrust, but the desire for personalisation and relevance in advertising means plenty of people are still willing to give up some privacy for a better experience.
After the podcast episode was released, Srinivas took to social media to clarify his comments were hypothetical and focused on the importance of memory and personalisation for relevant advertising.
