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Perplexity Teases Web Browser Called Comet

Perplexity is building its own web browser called Comet, which promises to reinvent the browsing experience with AI-powered features. The browser's exact launch date and details are unknown, but it has already generated buzz in the tech community. Perplexity's decision to enter the crowded browser market may be driven by its rapid growth and expanding product portfolio.

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Perplexity AI presents a compelling alternative to Google Search, aiming to address user frustrations stemming from inaccurate results and excessive advertisements. Its conversational interface and ability to handle follow-up queries make it a more dynamic tool for research compared to traditional search engines. The ease of integration into various browsers further positions Perplexity AI as a practical choice for those looking to enhance their online search experience.

Deutsche Telekom is building a new Perplexity chatbot-powered "AI Phone," the companies announced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona today. The new device will be revealed later this year and run β€œMagenta AI,” which gives users access to Perplexity Assistant, Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, Picsart, and a suite of AI tools. The AI phone concept was first revealed at MWC 2024 by Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile's parent company) as an "app-less" device primarily controlled by voice that can do things like book flights and make restaurant reservations.

Browser company Opera has unveiled a new AI agent called Browser Operator that can complete tasks for you on different websites. In a demo video, the company showed the AI agent finding a right pair of socks from Walmart; securing tickets for a football match from the club’s site; and looking up a flight and a hotel for a trip on Booking.com. Opera said that the feature will be available to users through its Feature Drop program soon.

Opera's introduction of its AI agent web browser marks a significant shift in how users interact with the internet, allowing the AI to perform tasks such as purchasing tickets and booking hotels on behalf of users. This innovation not only simplifies online shopping and travel planning but also aims to streamline the management of subscriptions and routine tasks, enhancing user convenience. However, as the browser takes on more active roles, it raises questions about the future of user engagement with digital content and the potential loss of manual browsing skills.

Opera's newest AI feature, Browser Operator, allows users to assign shopping tasks to the browser, which then autonomously researches and executes those tasks. This "agentic browsing" technology enables users to prompt the browser with tasks like finding products to buy or booking hotels, and the browser will take care of the rest. Opera claims that this technology is a "paradigm shift for browsers," as it empowers users to delegate tasks to the browser itself.

Opera has introduced a groundbreaking AI agent called Browser Operator, which can autonomously perform browsing tasks for users, marking a significant evolution in web browser functionality. This innovation aims to transform the browser from a simple display tool into an intelligent application capable of executing tasks based on natural language commands, thereby enhancing user efficiency. With features that prioritize user privacy and operational speed, Browser Operator exemplifies a shift towards a more interactive and user-focused web experience.

Alphabet's Google has introduced an experimental search engine that replaces traditional search results with AI-generated summaries, available to subscribers of Google One AI Premium. This new feature allows users to ask follow-up questions directly in a redesigned search interface, which aims to enhance user experience by providing more comprehensive and contextualized information. As competition intensifies with AI-driven search tools from companies like Microsoft, Google is betting heavily on integrating AI into its core business model.

Opera's new AI agent, Browser Operator, marks a paradigm shift in web browsing, enabling browsers to perform tasks for users, providing a major efficiency boost and turning the browser into a user-focused ecosystem. The AI agent uses native client-side solutions to complete tasks while protecting user privacy, allowing users to explain what they need to do in natural language. With its autonomy, perception, decision-making, action execution, learning, and adapting capabilities, Browser Operator is poised to transform the way we interact with the web.

Google's AI Mode offers reasoning and follow-up responses in search, synthesizing information from multiple sources unlike traditional search. The new experimental feature uses Gemini 2.0 to provide faster, more detailed, and capable of handling trickier queries. AI Mode aims to bring better reasoning and more immediate analysis to online time, actively breaking down complex topics and comparing multiple options.

Google has introduced an experimental feature called "AI Mode" in its Search platform, designed to allow users to engage with complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups. This innovative mode aims to enhance user experience by providing detailed comparisons and real-time information, leveraging Google's Gemini 2.0 technology. As user engagement increases through longer queries and follow-ups, Google anticipates that this feature will create more opportunities for in-depth exploration of topics.

Google has announced an expansion of its AI search features, powered by Gemini 2.0, which marks a significant shift towards more autonomous and personalized search results. The company is testing an opt-in feature called AI Mode, where the results are completely taken over by the Gemini model, skipping traditional web links. This move could fundamentally change how Google presents search results in the future.

Google is revolutionizing its search engine with the introduction of AI Mode, an AI chatbot that responds to user queries. This new feature combines advanced AI models with Google's vast knowledge base, providing hyper-specific answers and insights about the real world. The AI Mode chatbot, powered by Gemini 2.0, generates lengthy answers to complex questions, making it a game-changer in search and information retrieval.

The US Department of Justice remains steadfast in its proposal for Google to sell its web browser Chrome, despite recent changes to its stance on artificial intelligence investments. The DOJ's initial proposal, which called for Chrome's divestment, still stands, with the department insisting that Google must be broken up to prevent a monopoly. However, the agency has softened its stance on AI investments, allowing Google to pursue future investments without mandatory divestiture.

Microsoft is attempting to lure users into its own services by exploiting Bing's search results page. If you search for AI chatbots in Bing, you may be presented with a misleading special box promoting Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant. This tactic aims to redirect users away from popular alternatives like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Meta Platforms is poised to join the exclusive $3 trillion club thanks to its significant investments in artificial intelligence, which are already yielding impressive financial results. The company's AI-driven advancements have improved content recommendations on Facebook and Instagram, increasing user engagement and ad impressions. Furthermore, Meta's AI tools have made it easier for marketers to create more effective ads, leading to increased ad prices and sales.

Deutsche Telekom has announced a new low-cost smartphone called the "AI Phone" developed in collaboration with AI startup Perplexity, Picsart, and others. The device will feature an AI assistant app called Magenta AI, which aims to provide users with proactive services such as booking flights, sending emails, and making phone calls. The phone's price tag is under $1,000, targeting the European market.

The Opera Browser Operator is a groundbreaking AI feature that enables browsers to shop for and buy things autonomously, raising questions about the future of user interaction and agency. This native AI agent can complete tasks in response to natural-language requests, including complex multi-step errands, while preserving user privacy and control. The Opera Browser Operator is currently at the Feature Preview stage and is expected to progress to the company's AI Feature Drop "in the near future".

DuckDuckGo's recent development of its AI-generated search tool, dubbed DuckDuckAI, marks a significant step forward for the company in enhancing user experience and providing more concise responses to queries. The AI-powered chatbot, now out of beta, will integrate web search within its conversational interface, allowing users to seamlessly switch between the two options. This move aims to provide a more flexible and personalized experience for users, while maintaining DuckDuckGo's commitment to privacy.

The evolution of web browsers reflects a shift from consumer-focused tools designed solely for information access to specialized enterprise browsers that prioritize security and productivity. While traditional consumer browsers have remained largely unchanged, they struggle to meet the complex needs of enterprises that require enhanced control and safety measures. Enterprise browsers, designed from the ground up, integrate security features and application delivery capabilities, promoting efficiency while safeguarding corporate resources.

Amazon is reportedly venturing into the development of an AI model that emphasizes advanced reasoning capabilities, aiming to compete with existing models from OpenAI and DeepSeek. Set to launch under the Nova brand as early as June, this model seeks to combine quick responses with more complex reasoning, enhancing reliability in fields like mathematics and science. The company's ambition to create a cost-effective alternative to competitors could reshape market dynamics in the AI industry.

The advancements made by DeepSeek highlight the increasing prominence of Chinese firms within the artificial intelligence sector, as noted by a spokesperson for China's parliament. Lou Qinjian praised DeepSeek's achievements, emphasizing their open-source approach and contributions to global AI applications, reflecting China's innovative capabilities. Despite facing challenges abroad, including bans in some nations, DeepSeek's technology continues to gain traction within China, indicating a robust domestic support for AI development.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup behind the hit V3 and R1 models, has disclosed cost and revenue data that claims a theoretical cost-profit ratio of up to 545% per day. The company revealed its cost and revenue data after web and app chatbots powered by its R1 and V3 models surged in popularity worldwide, causing AI stocks outside China to plummet in January. DeepSeek's profit margins are likely to be lower than claimed due to the low cost of using its V3 model.

Google is expanding its AI assistant, Gemini, with new features that allow users to ask questions using video content in real-time. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Google showcased a "Screenshare" feature that enables users to share what's on their phone's screen with Gemini and get answers about it as they watch. This development marks another step in the evolution of AI-powered conversational interfaces.

AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP) is pushing back against allegations that its AI-powered ad platform is cannibalizing revenue from advertisers, while the company's latest advancements in natural language processing and creative insights are being closely watched by investors. The recent release of OpenAI's GPT-4.5 model has also put the spotlight on the competitive landscape of AI stocks. As companies like Tencent launch their own AI models to compete with industry giants, the stakes are high for those who want to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space.

The landscape of social media continues to evolve as several platforms vie to become the next dominant microblogging service in the wake of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, now known as X. While Threads has emerged as a leading contender with substantial user growth and a commitment to interoperability, platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon also demonstrate resilience and unique approaches to social networking. Despite these alternatives gaining traction, X remains a significant player, still attracting users and companies for their initial announcements and discussions.