Nvidia-backed startup Perplexity AI is challenging Google with a new AI-powered web browser called Comet that is built on the company’s proprietary AI search engine. The new browser is initially available to those paying $200 per month to subscribe to the Perplexity Max plan and by invitation to those who register online for the company’s waitlist. The browser also comes with Comet Assistant, an agent that automates routine tasks such as summarizing emails and navigating webpages. Comet Assistant can be opened as a sidebar on any webpage to answer questions about the content being presented.

With Comet, Perplexity “wants to kill the click,” suggests Gizmodo, adding that “OpenAI is poised to follow” — moves that could portend “the end of the Internet as we know it.”

Perplexity search, which debuted in December 2022, is free and responds to queries with AI-compiled summaries, including links and suggested follow-up questions.

“Perplexity has released several products and initiatives in recent months, but none feel quite as consequential as Comet,” writes TechCrunch, noting the objective is “to reach users directly without having to go through Google Chrome.”

While AI-powered browsers are a new concept for many users, “Google itself seems convinced this is the direction browsers are headed,” TechCrunch reports. “The search giant has deployed several AI integrations into Chrome in recent months, not to mention AI mode, an AI search product with a striking resemblance to Perplexity.”

Perplexity explains in a blog post that Comet “is built for today’s Internet,” marking “a shift from browsing to thinking.” Tabs that used to pile up waiting for you to continue a browsing session will be obsoleted, with Comet “actively conducting entire browsing sessions” autonomously.

“Comet is compatible with ‘all of your usual extensions, settings, and bookmarks,’” according to ZDNet, citing the company’s claims of “‘a seamless switch’ to make it your new default browser.” Initially launched for Mac and Windows, Perplexity founder and CEO Aravind Srivinas says it is coming soon to Android.

Despite its progress, “Perplexity has a long way to go before [Comet] replaces Google as the default search engine for the majority of the population,” ZDNet concludes.

Those interested in trying Comet without subscribing are urged to join the waitlist (by clicking “Get Comet,” then logging in by providing your email to receive a temporary code that will enable waitlist access). “Invite-only access will roll out slowly to our waitlist over the summer,” notes Perplexity, adding that “new users will also receive a limited number of invites to share.”