Perplexity, the AI-driven search engine, made headlines with a staggering 780 million queries in May, as revealed by CEO Aravind Srinivas at Bloomberg’s Tech Summit. With a growth rate exceeding 20% each month, Srinivas is optimistic about reaching a billion queries weekly within a year.
Reflecting on this remarkable journey, Srinivas noted how the platform has evolved from handling a modest 3,000 queries in its early days of 2022 to achieving 30 million daily queries today.
A key factor in sustaining this momentum is Perplexity’s new project, the Comet browser. Srinivas emphasized the potential for user retention through Comet: “Everything you do in the browser—from search bar inputs to sidecar interactions—translates into additional queries. It’s our way of capturing new audiences, especially those weary of traditional browsers like Chrome.”
The development of Comet aims to transform AI’s role from merely answering questions to executing entire actions. Srinivas explained that this shift would allow users to complete extensive browsing tasks with a single prompt, heralding a new era of internet engagement.
Perplexity envisions Comet not as just another browser but as a “cognitive operating system” that integrates seamlessly into daily life. “It’s about creating a smarter, more proactive digital companion,” Srinivas said, highlighting the need to “rethink the browser entirely.”
While specific details about Comet remain under wraps, Srinivas previously hinted that the browser would include features like virtual meeting recording, transcription, and searchable archives, following its initial release.
As for when users can get their hands on Comet, expectations are set for a launch within the upcoming weeks. The anticipation builds around how Comet will redefine online interaction and AI integration.
