Hey there! Imagine this: You’re scrolling through your phone, searching for something quick, but instead of endless links, you get smart, instant answers that feel like chatting with a genius friend. That’s the vibe with Comet, the shiny new AI-powered browser that’s got everyone talking. But wait—is it really a browser or a search engine? And why is it being called India’s big tech move? Let’s dive in together. I’ll keep it simple, like we’re grabbing coffee and chatting about this exciting stuff. No tech jargon overload, promise!
Introduction to Comet
So, what’s the buzz about Comet? It’s not just another app—it’s an AI browser built by Perplexity AI that changes how we surf the web. Think of it as a super-smart search engine wrapped in a browser. You can ask questions naturally, get summaries, automate tasks like booking tickets, and even connect ideas across tabs. It’s like having an AI sidekick that does the heavy lifting.
Why’s it in the news right now? Well, in mid-2025, Perplexity launched Comet, and it’s making waves because it’s challenging giants like Google Chrome. Plus, with the founder being Indian-origin, Indian media is hyping it as a “Swadeshi” (homegrown) alternative. Recent headlines exploded when Perplexity offered a whopping $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome from Sundar Pichai—talk about bold! It’s all over tech sites, from TechCrunch to Times of India, as a potential game-changer in the AI race.
Now, why does India need something like this? Google dominates search here, with over 90% market share. But issues like data privacy, biased results, and ads everywhere make people want options. India has 900 million+ internet users, many in rural areas with diverse languages. A local-flavored search could focus on Indian needs—like better support for Hindi, Tamil, or regional content—while keeping data safer and boosting the economy. It’s about digital independence, you know? No more relying on foreign tech that might not get our context right.
- Key perks for India: Faster searches in low-bandwidth areas, privacy from Big Tech spying, and promoting local businesses over global ads.
- The bigger picture: With AI booming, India wants to lead, not follow. Comet could help by making info accessible in our multilingual world.
Insights into the Team Behind Comet
Alright, let’s talk people—the real stars. Comet comes from Perplexity AI, a startup that’s all about AI search. The big name here is Aravind Srinivas, the CEO and co-founder. He’s Indian-born, from Chennai, and a total brainiac. Aravind studied at IIT Madras (dual degrees in electrical engineering), then got his PhD from UC Berkeley in computer science. His thesis? Something cool about AI learning for robots. Before Perplexity, he worked at heavyweights like OpenAI, DeepMind, and Google—places where he learned the ins and outs of search and AI.
But he’s not alone. The co-founders are:
- Denis Yarats: Handles tech stuff, probably CTO vibes. He’s got a background in AI research.
- Johnny Ho: Focuses on engineering, bringing practical smarts.
- Andy Konwinski: Adds experience from big data worlds, like co-founding Databricks.
This team’s got serious creds—PhDs, top internships, and a passion for fixing search problems. Aravind’s Indian roots make it feel like India’s win; he’s often in the news for his desi pride, like partnering with Bharti Airtel to give free Perplexity access in India. Their achievements? Perplexity grew from zero to millions of users fast, thanks to accurate AI answers with sources—no hallucinations like some chatbots.
- Fun fact: Aravind once joked about buying Google Chrome, then actually bid $34.5B! It shows their ambition.
- Team strength: Diverse skills in AI, search, and scaling tech, making Comet more than hype.
Funding and Vision
Who’s bankrolling this? Perplexity has raised over $1 billion, hitting a $14 billion valuation. Big investors include Nvidia (AI chips kings), SoftBank, Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder), Elad Gil, and Nat Friedman. No direct government support mentioned, but the Airtel tie-up feels like Indian backing. Recent rounds, like $500 million in 2025, are fueling Comet’s rollout and India expansion.
The vision? Perplexity wants to “serve the world’s curiosity” with trustworthy AI. Comet’s mission is to turn browsing into thinking—amplifying your brain, not just linking pages. Imagine asking, “Compare flights to Delhi and book the cheapest,” and it happens seamlessly. For India, it’s about empowering users with local focus, privacy, and tools for our diverse needs.
- Mission highlights: Accurate answers, proactive help, and making the web an extension of your mind.
- Partnerships: Airtel deal for free Pro access to millions, boosting adoption here.
Challenges of Building a Search Engine in India
Building something like Comet isn’t easy, especially in India. Let’s break it down.
First, technical hurdles: AI needs massive data and computing power. Training models to handle queries without errors (like wrong facts) is tough. Comet uses advanced LLMs (large language models—basically smart AI brains), but keeping them updated and accurate requires constant work.
Competition from Google? Huge. Google has billions of users, endless resources, and integrates everything (search, maps, ads). Breaking that habit is like switching from chai to coffee overnight.
Local market woes:
- Language diversity: India has 22 official languages, plus dialects. Comet needs to nail Hindi, Bengali, etc., without messing up translations.
- Internet penetration: Only 60% of Indians are online, many with slow connections. Comet must be lightweight and work offline-ish.
- Privacy and regs: Data laws like DPDP Act mean careful handling of user info. Plus, misinformation in elections or news is a risk.
- Adoption barriers: People stick to what’s familiar. Educating users on AI perks takes time.
Overall, it’s a marathon—Perplexity’s fighting antitrust battles too, like Google’s monopoly ruling helping them.
Can Comet Replace Google’s Usage in India?
Could Comet dethrone Google here? Let’s be real.
Potential strengths:
- AI smarts: Gives direct answers with sources, not just links. Great for quick research or shopping.
- Privacy focus: Less tracking than Google, appealing in data-wary India.
- Local edge: With Airtel, it’s free for many, plus better Indian language support.
- Automation: Handles tasks like emails or bookings, saving time.
Limitations:
- Market dominance: Google has 95%+ share; switching browsers is rare.
- Features gap: No full ecosystem like Gmail or YouTube integration yet.
- Reliability: AI can err, and Comet’s still new—bugs possible.
Realistic chances? Slim for total replacement, but it could grab 10-20% share if it nails India-specific features. With the Chrome bid, they’re playing long game. Adoption might start with tech-savvy youth, then spread. Optimistic? Yes, if privacy scandals hit Google more.
Can Comet Replace Google Ads?
Google Ads in India: It’s huge—businesses pay to show up in searches, targeting users by keywords, location, etc. It rakes in billions, helping small shops reach customers via pay-per-click.
Does Comet have its own ad platform? Not fully yet. Perplexity is ad-free now, monetizing via subscriptions ($20/month for Pro, which includes Comet). But plans are brewing for sponsored answers or AI-driven ads—subtle, relevant ones that feel helpful, not intrusive.
Opportunities for Indian businesses: If Comet succeeds, local ads could be cheaper and more targeted, keeping money in India. Imagine AI suggesting products in Hindi, boosting SMEs. Less reliance on Google means fairer play—no algorithm biases favoring big brands. Win-win for desi entrepreneurs!
10 Trending FAQs About Comet
Got questions? I’ve got answers—detailed but simple. Let’s tackle these one by one.
- What is Comet search engine?
Comet is actually an AI-powered browser from Perplexity AI that acts like a smart search engine. You type or voice questions, and it gives conversational answers with sources, summaries, and even automates tasks. It’s built on Chromium (like Chrome) but with AI magic for faster, smarter browsing. Unlike traditional search, it’s proactive—learns your style and suggests stuff. - Who owns Comet?
Perplexity AI owns it, founded by Aravind Srinivas (Indian-origin CEO), Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. They’re a US-based startup, but with strong India ties via Aravind’s roots and partnerships like Airtel. No single “owner”—it’s venture-backed. - Is Comet safe to use?
Yes, pretty safe. It emphasizes privacy with modes like “strict” for local processing—no cloud spying. Unlike Google, less data collection. But always use strong passwords and check settings. Early users report no major issues, but as with any app, watch for updates. - Does Comet work in all Indian languages?
Not all yet, but it’s expanding. Supports major ones like Hindi, Tamil, and English fluently, thanks to AI models trained on diverse data. For regional dialects, it’s improving—voice search in accents is a plus. Perplexity’s focusing on India, so more languages coming soon. - Is Comet better than Google?
Depends on you! Better for AI-driven answers, privacy, and tasks—feels more helpful. But Google wins on speed and ecosystem. For research or curiosity, Comet shines; for everyday quick searches, Google might still edge it. Try both! - How does Comet make money?
Mainly subscriptions—$200/year for Pro users get Comet access. No ads yet, but future plans for sponsored content. Enterprise tools for businesses too. Keeps it clean, unlike ad-heavy Google. - Will Comet have privacy-focused search?
Absolutely! It’s designed with privacy in mind—options to limit data sharing, local AI processing for sensitive stuff. Answers come with sources, building trust. Better than Google’s tracking for sure. - Can I advertise on Comet?
Not right now—it’s ad-free. But Perplexity hints at future AI ads, like relevant suggestions in answers. For businesses, watch for beta programs. Could be game-changing with targeted, non-annoying formats. - Is Comet available outside India?
Yes! Launched globally, but with India focus via Airtel. Available on desktop (Mac/Windows), soon mobile. Pro subscribers get early access; free version limited. - How can I try Comet now?
Head to perplexity.ai/comet and sign up for Pro ($20/month). If you’re with Airtel, check for free access. Download from their site—it’s invite-based for now, but expanding fast. Start with Perplexity’s search to get a taste!
Conclusion
Whew, that was a fun deep dive, right? Comet’s story is inspiring—an Indian-origin whiz like Aravind Srinivas taking on tech titans with smarts and vision. It’s not perfect yet, and replacing Google won’t happen overnight, but with AI magic, privacy wins, and India focus, it’s got real shot at shaking things up. Imagine a future where our searches empower us, not just sell stuff. Optimistic? Totally. Realistic? Give it time, support local innovation, and who knows—Comet might just light up India’s digital sky. What do you think—ready to try it? Drop a comment below!
