Perplexity has launched its Comet browser in India, making it available to Pro subscribers. The announcement was made by CEO Aravind Srinivas on X on 22 September. The browser, which has been in testing abroad, is now accessible on Windows and macOS for Indian users. Android users can pre-order the app through Google Play, while iOS availability is expected at a later stage.
What Comet is and what it does
Comet is an AI-powered web browser. It is built on the Chromium engine and uses Perplexity’s search and AI systems. The browser places an AI assistant in a sidebar.
The assistant can summarise pages, manage tabs and workspaces, draft emails, and even attempt simple actions such as filling forms or adding items to a shopping cart.
Key features users should note
- An AI sidebar called Comet Assistant. It stays active across tabs.
- A workspace interface that groups research and project items.
- One-click import of bookmarks and extensions from other Chromium browsers.
Availability and access
The desktop build is available for Windows and macOS. Android users can pre-order via Google Play. iOS availability is not yet listed. Access in India is currently limited to Perplexity Pro (and related paid) subscribers. Perplexity has said it will expand invites over time. Some Indian users may gain access through promotions. For example, Airtel has previously offered Perplexity Pro subscriptions to its customers as part of a tie-up.
Security and privacy considerations
Perplexity has highlighted privacy and security as key elements of Comet. The browser supports encrypted storage of credentials and has partnered with 1Password to protect login details and two-factor authentication codes. Sensitive data is stored locally, which reduces exposure to external threats.
However, independent experts have raised concerns. Security researchers warn that agent-driven browsers may create new risks, as AI systems could be exploited through malicious sites or automation loopholes. This means users must balance the productivity benefits against potential vulnerabilities when enabling automated browsing features.
Part of a bigger shift in browsing
The availability of Comet in India comes as major tech firms are integrating AI into their browsers. Google, for instance, has added Gemini AI features into Chrome. By positioning Comet as a browser built from the ground up with AI, Perplexity is hoping to appeal to early adopters seeking smarter ways to work and browse.
Perplexity has confirmed that more features and broader access will roll out in the coming weeks. For now, Indian users with Pro subscriptions can experience the company’s AI-first approach to browsing, while keeping in mind the balance between innovation, security, and control.
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