OpenAI and Microsoft ignite AI browser war following Perplexity’s Comet launch

The race to redefine the internet browser has accelerated dramatically, with tech giants OpenAI and Microsoft swiftly moving to challenge the momentum of Perplexity’s Comet, an AI-native browser that recently dropped its subscription requirement to court mainstream users. This battle signals a fundamental shift from simple web navigation to a new era of "agentic" browsing, where the AI actively performs tasks on the user's behalf.

The new contenders: Atlas, Copilot, and Comet

The new generation of AI browsers is ditching the traditional search-and-click model in favour of an integrated AI assistant that can understand context, remember past actions, and automate complex workflows.

Perplexity’s catalyst: Comet goes free

Perplexity AI, known for its powerful "answer engine" that provides summaries with verified citations, launched its Chromium-based browser, Comet, as a premium-only product in July. However, in a strategic pivot this month, the company made the core browser and its conversational assistant free for all users.

Comet’s launch has been validated by its early success, with reports showing users who downloaded Comet dramatically increasing their question-asking habits. It positions itself as the ideal tool for researchers and analysts who require trustworthy, up-to-date information seamlessly integrated into their browsing flow.

OpenAI's direct counter: ChatGPT Atlas

In a direct response to Perplexity’s lead, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Atlas, a browser described as being "built entirely around ChatGPT." Its standout feature is the Agent Mode (available to paid subscribers), which allows the AI to autonomously execute complex, multi-step tasks like booking flights, editing documents, or conducting research across multiple websites - all while the user observes the process.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested the launch represents a "once-a-decade opportunity to rethink the browser," aiming to unseat traditional giants like Google Chrome by making the web interactive, not just static.

Microsoft doubles down on Edge

Not to be left behind, Microsoft, a key investor in OpenAI, quickly announced a significant upgrade to its existing Edge browser, introducing an enhanced Copilot Mode. Microsoft's strategy is to evolve its browser into a fully intelligent companion.

The new features include Copilot Actions, which allows the AI assistant to reason over all open tabs, summarize and compare information, and execute actions like filling out forms or planning a journey directly within Edge.

The intensifying competition highlights a race not just for market share, but for control over the core platform through which users access AI. As it stands, only time can tell how this unfolds.