Perplexity AI, an AI startup invested in by NVIDIA (NVDA, Financial), is negotiating with mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its new Comet AI browser on smartphones. This move aims to challenge Google Chrome's long-standing dominance in the mobile browser market. The Comet browser, launched in July, integrates the Perplexity AI search engine, which offers real-time AI-generated summaries based on search results. It also features the Comet Assistant, which can handle complex tasks like scheduling meetings and summarizing web content.
Although convincing OEMs to replace Chrome with Comet is challenging, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believes pre-installation is crucial for user adoption. Google Chrome currently holds about 70% market share in mobile browsing, while Apple Safari and Samsung Browser together account for approximately 24%. Currently in testing, Comet supports only desktops, but Perplexity plans to expand its user base significantly after initial testing stabilizes.
This strategic move highlights an industry shift towards AI-powered browsers that require minimal human intervention. Perplexity AI is also in talks with Samsung and Apple to integrate its AI features into devices, enhancing voice assistants like Bixby and Siri. Earlier this year, Perplexity AI raised $500 million, valuing the company at $14 billion, with investors including Accel, NVIDIA, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
