Perplexity published its browser without restriction last Tuesday. It was already presented in July, but initially only subscribers to the expensive max tariff were allowed to use the browser. There was also a waiting list. The app is initially only for MacOS and Windows for download Available, but mobile versions should follow.
In the browser based on Chromium, not only is the AI-based search engine Perplexity.ai As a standard, the makers follow the trend to integrate the in-house AI system deep into the browser. So-called agents can take on more complex tasks such as booking a hotel room or online purchases. The AI autonomously visits and operates websites and fills out form fields. The AI is also allowed to control the browser itself to organize tabs.
Access to personal data
COMET also accesses Google and Outlook e-mails and calendars via connectors to be set up in the perplexity account-and also takes into account the content of Dropbox, Google Drive, Notion, Github, Slack and WhatsApp. With the access rights, for example, the browser can organize meetings, write emails based on open websites or list upcoming tasks.
Browsing data such as accessed websites, search queries, open tabs are only available locally. In order to perform contextual tasks such as sorting tabs, the data is not fundamentally sent to a server. If a personalized context is required, Comet uses According to Perplexity boss Aravind Srinivas As little data as possible to meet the request. They are also earmarked and do not serve the training of the AI.
Perplexity wants to participate financially
Perplexity explained in August that the company wants to pay for publishers as soon as their content is used to answer inquiries in Comet and the AI search. To do this, however, media have to register for a partner program. Specifically, a pot of $ 42.5 million should be available for distribution, which is filled from subscription income. At the same time, there are also complaints from publishers compared to perplexity. Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and Condé Nast complained that the AI search engine will use its content for answers without paying.
You can find a detailed test of the AI browser Comet on Heise+.
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