A new front opens in the AI browser war

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Hello readers,

Welcome to the AI For All newsletter! Today, we’re talking about Perplexity’s Comet browser as it heads towards Android, using AI for hires in a cooling job market, and more.

AI Toolkit: Perplexity’s Comet Browser

With its wide release last month, upcoming Android app, and recent revamp of its built-in assistant, Perplexity’s Comet browser is worth a look as it opens up a new front in the AI browser war.

What: Comet is a Chromium-based web browser developed by Perplexity that integrates its AI assistant directly into the browsing experience. It looks and functions much like Chrome, but with added tools for summarizing tabs, comparing content, and carrying out simple tasks via natural language commands. Comet is currently free to use and supports Chrome extensions, making it relatively easy to try without overhauling your setup. It’s also on its way to Android; an emerging front for the AI browser wars.

How: Because it’s built on Chromium, Comet behaves like any mainstream browser in terms of speed, compatibility, and layout. You can import your bookmarks and extensions in minutes. The main difference is the AI assistant that lives in the sidebar. It can do things like summarize pages, clean up tabs, compare search results, or take simple actions (e.g., pull up a calendar event, open a specific email). You can also create reusable shortcuts—essentially pre-set prompts for frequent tasks—and toggle between Perplexity and Google search depending on the query.

Why: The real strength of Comet lies in its convenience. For people who already use Perplexity regularly, having that experience integrated into the browser is helpful. The assistant’s multi-tab awareness and shortcut features can save time, especially when you’re trying to triage a cluttered inbox or get quick answers without opening a dozen tabs. That said, some tasks are still clunky or inconsistent, and the assistant’s performance varies depending on the site or the complexity of the request. The agentic features are interesting but not always reliable yet.

Our favorite part: The shortcut system strikes a nice balance between power and simplicity. You can summon the assistant with a quick Alt + A, trigger saved prompts instantly, and handle repetitive tasks—like comparing tabs or summarizing threads—without breaking your workflow. It’s not flashy, but for anyone who works in the browser all day, those little efficiencies add up fast.

Pricing:

• Free (currently): No subscription or invite required to use the full browser.

• Perplexity Max integration: Available if you want higher-tier AI responses or extended capabilities.

Deals or promotions:

None at the moment. Comet is free to download and try.

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🔥 Rapid Fire

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• China's Baidu unveils two new AI chips amid US export curbs

📖 What We’re Reading

How to Use AI for Quality Hires in a Cooling Job Market