Perplexity unveils Comet AI browser and strikes major Airtel deal, bringing free Pro access to 360 million Indian users. Get the latest verified details.
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Perplexity Launches AI Browser ‘Comet’ and Partners With Airtel for Free Pro Access
Perplexity Unveils AI Browser ‘Comet,’ Partners With Airtel: A Major Shift in the Tech Landscape
Fast-paced Innovation From a Startup to a Tech Leader
In July 2025, San Francisco-based AI firm Perplexity catapulted itself into global headlines with two bold moves: the launch of ‘Comet,’ its AI-powered web browser, and a sweeping partnership with Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel. The company, founded in 2022, has rapidly advanced its portfolio from its renowned question-answering engine to an expansive suite of AI-driven tools.
The Comet Browser Goes Live
Perplexity’s Comet browser, officially released in July 2025, offers AI-powered search, intuitive task automation, and deep integration with third-party applications like Slack. Initially rolled out in beta for Mac users, Comet is now available to all Windows subscribers and will soon be released on Android. CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized, “The browser is a product you use more than chat… it’s designed to lead ‘agentic workflow’ revolution.”
Key features of Comet include:
Real-time search and question answering via Perplexity’s AI
Voice and text command handling
Scheduling and automating research with the new “Tasks” feature
Visual research, such as photo-based clothing previews
Integration with workplace tools and privacy customization options
Early testers received direct beta invites and a wider public launch is underway. Srinivas assured potential users that personal data collection for targeted advertising remains optional.
Airtel Partnership: Free Pro Access for Millions
On July 17, 2025, Bharti Airtel announced a landmark partnership with Perplexity, granting its 360 million customers free, year-long subscriptions to Perplexity Pro—the premium tier valued at ₹17,000 (approx. $205). This is Perplexity’s first telecom tie-up and makes Airtel the exclusive distributor of its AI Pro in India, helping the app leap to the top of national App Store charts.
Airtel users on prepaid, postpaid, Wi-Fi, or DTH services simply log in via the Airtel Thanks app to claim the offer. Perplexity Pro unlocks advanced AI models (including GPT-4.1, Claude, and Gemini), image generation, data analysis, unlimited deep research, and access to Perplexity Labs for AI-powered spreadsheets and dashboards.
User and Industry Impact at a Glance
Within weeks, Perplexity’s user base in India soared by 640% year-on-year, outpacing global peers like Gemini and CoPilot in mobile user retention. Srinivas, who personally invested in local R&D and met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss AI strategy, called the collaboration central to Perplexity’s global expansion. “India isn’t just a market—it’s central to our strategy,” he told press at the announcement event.
Conclusion
Perplexity’s dual launch—Comet browser and the massive Airtel tie-up—represents a defining moment for both the company and the rapidly shifting AI landscape. As millions of new users gain access to powerful AI tools, Perplexity looks poised to challenge Big Tech incumbents at home and abroad.
