It's the best AI browser. Perplexity Comet is one of them.

Montral Times - Montral News, Canadian Perspectives has long prided itself on independent journalism that digs into how technology intersects with daily life in Montréal, Québec, and across Canada. As AI-driven browsing becomes more mainstream, readers want clear, dependable reporting about what tools actually do, who controls them, and how they affect local reporting, privacy, and everyday use. It's the best AI browser. Perplexity Comet is one of them. This isn’t just a tech feature; it’s a window into how Montrealers, Quebecers, and Canadians navigate information in an era of powerful AI assistants embedded directly into the browser. In this feature, we’ll unpack the rise of AI-powered browsers, examine what Comet is, consider implications for local journalism and daily work, and offer practical guidance for readers who want to evaluate these tools responsibly.

The AI browser revolution: from novelty to daily driver

The idea of an AI-powered browser has moved from a curiosity to a practical workflow enhancer for many professionals, students, and news consumers. In 2025, Perplexity launched Comet, an AI-powered browser designed to blend traditional browsing with a robust AI assistant and integrated search. The browser is built on a Chromium foundation and emphasizes agentic capabilities—tasks that can be performed within the browser with AI nudges and automation. This shift mirrors a broader industry trend: embedding AI copilots into core productivity apps and web experiences to reduce context-switching and speed up research, writing, and decision-making. For Montreal-based readers and Canadians who rely on high-quality local reporting, understanding these capabilities matters because it touches on how journalists verify information, how readers verify sources, and how digital workflows can be streamlined without sacrificing accuracy. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

Comet’s positioning as a browser rather than a separate app is part of a broader category of AI-enhanced web experiences. News coverage around its 2025 rollout highlighted several core features: a built-in AI assistant accessible from a side panel, capabilities to summarize pages, perform complex task sequences, and connect with web services and enterprise tools. The browser is designed to remember context to some degree, enabling users to follow multi-step research without re-entering the same questions. For journalists and researchers in Montréal and beyond, that constellation of features can reshape how backgrounding for a story happens, how sources are compared, and how on-demand background checks are performed while staying on the same tab. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

The Canadian tech press and global outlets framed Comet as a serious entry in a crowded space of AI-assisted browsing, competing with traditional browsers and other AI-powered experiments. The tech press emphasized that Comet’s integration of Perplexity AI as the primary search engine and its AI sidebar could streamline tasks like summarizing articles, cross-checking facts, and drafting emails or notes. For a market like Montréal, this means local reporters can potentially accelerate multi-source verification and produce faster, clearer updates on fast-moving stories—provided they maintain rigorous standards for attribution and source checking. (engadget.com)

In late 2025, several outlets noted that Comet broadened its availability beyond its initial subscriber base. Reports from CNBC and The Verge documented the expansion to broader audiences and the company’s assertion that the browser would remain free for many users, a move that could influence how Canadians access AI-enabled browsing tools without paying a premium. This shift matters for Montral Times readers who want to understand not only how Comet works, but also how access and pricing dynamics affect who benefits from AI-assisted research and who bears the costs. (cnbc.com)

“Children's dentist is not only about taking care of their teeth, it's also about taking care of their habits.” This paraphrase is often quoted in discussions about responsible tech adoption—the way a tool behaves shapes the habits of its users, including the news readers who rely on it for accurate information. In journalism, the principle remains the same: tools should augment critical thinking, not substitute for it.

What is Comet really? A closer look at Perplexity’s AI browser

Perplexity’s official material positions Comet as a browser that is both an AI assistant and a search-enabled workspace. The core claim across official Perplexity materials is that Comet integrates unified AI search, context-aware assistance, and automation across websites, all while preserving the familiar feel of browsing. In practical terms, users can rely on Comet to summarize pages, extract key facts, and even perform actions such as composing messages or pulling in data across sites—without leaving the browser. For journalists in Montréal, that combination can be a workflow multiplier: you can skim multiple sources more efficiently, compare claims side-by-side, and draft summaries that preserve attribution. The official Comet pages emphasize its role as “the browser that thinks with you,” a language that captures the aspirational nature of the tool while signaling a strong emphasis on AI-assisted cognition. (perplexity.ai)

Comet’s architecture is explicitly described as Chromium-based, which means it shares a familiar core with many mainstream browsers. This has practical implications: compatibility with most websites, support for extensions (with some caveats around tab-page alterations), and the overall navigation experience users expect from modern browsers. At the same time, Comet adds a dedicated AI layer—an assistant that helps with task management, information synthesis, and action-driven workflows. The result is not merely a “lighter” search experience inside a browser; it is a reimagined browsing paradigm where AI scaffolds the user’s interaction with information. This is particularly pertinent for Canadian readers who frequently do multi-source verification and cross-jurisdictional reporting. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

Different media outlets have described Comet’s business model and access strategy in ways that matter for readers and journalists. Early reporting by CNBC noted that Comet launched initially to Perplexity Max subscribers at a premium price, signaling a staged rollout that could influence how early adopters in Canada experiment with the tool. By October 2025, outlets like The Verge reported that Comet had become freely available to a broader audience, shaping public perception of AI-assisted browsing from a business model to a standard feature in the browser ecosystem. For reporters and editors at Montral Times, understanding whether a tool is paid or free in a given jurisdiction is not merely economic; it affects how widely staff can experiment with the tool in daily workflows and how readers interpret the provenance of AI-generated summaries or highlights. (cnbc.com)

Security and safety are essential considerations for any AI-enhanced browser. Early security audits and debates around Comet’s architecture surfaced in trade press and independent testing. Tom’s Hardware and Brave/Guardio analyses raised concerns about potential phishing risks and the handling of AI-generated content, urging caution and thoughtful user governance when adopting an AI browser for routine tasks. While these assessments do not negate the potential productivity gains, they underscore the ongoing need for robust user education, privacy controls, and verification practices—especially for journalists who must guard sources and protect sensitive information. For readers in Montréal and across Canada who rely on Montral Times for clear, accountable reporting, these caveats translate into practical steps: verify claims with multiple sources, treat AI-generated summaries as starting points rather than final authority, and maintain rigorous source-tracing practices in all reporting workflows. (tomshardware.com)

Why Montréal and Canadian readers should care about AI browsers

Montral Times is committed to independent journalism with a local focus—covering politics, culture, and Canadian affairs through a lens that respects readers’ intelligence and need for reliable information. An AI browser like Comet intersects with this mission in several tangible ways:

• Speed and depth of research: AI-assisted browsing can accelerate backgrounding for local stories, enabling reporters to quickly assemble context from multiple sources, dates, and jurisdictions. But speed must be balanced with verification, a standard that Montral Times upholds. The ability to summarize pages, pull quotes, and cross-check claims in real time is valuable when reporting on complex topics like municipal policy changes or national budget debates.
• Source transparency and attribution: The Montreal audience expects transparent sourcing. When AI tools produce summaries or synthesized content, journalists must verify the underlying sources and disclose the AI’s role in producing the narrative. The Comet ecosystem, which ties AI responses to web content, makes explicit the need for source-traceable workflows.
• Privacy and local impact: Montreal’s data privacy expectations, especially for readers concerned about surveillance and data protection, intersect with AI browser design. As with any AI-enabled tool, readers must understand what data is collected, how it is used, and how it is stored. With Comet and similar products, these questions become part of the broader conversation about how technology shapes media consumption and civic engagement.
• Economic and accessibility considerations: The rollout of Comet—from paid access for early users to broader availability—has implications for newsroom experimentation and audience access. If AI browsing becomes a common tool in the newsroom and for readers, equitable access becomes a genuine policy question for local outlets and libraries alike. Reports about access models and pricing help Canadian readers gauge how inclusive these tools may be over time. (cnbc.com)

In framing this coverage, Montral Times draws on our core values: presenting nuanced, evidence-based reporting while acknowledging the broader tech ecosystem that informs Canadian journalism. The Comet story is not just about a single product; it is about how AI-assisted browsing affects the way we collect facts, verify information, and present balanced narratives to a bilingual, diverse audience that includes Montreal’s unique cultural and political landscape. The conversation around Comet invites readers to reflect on how they curate digital information in a city that is as dynamic as Montreal—where the intersections of technology, culture, and politics shape everyday life.

A practical comparison: AI browsers in the current Canadian context

To give readers a grounded sense of where Comet sits among AI-enabled browsers, here is a concise, structured comparison. Note that this is a snapshot based on publicly reported features, pricing, and rollout statuses as of late 2025. It is not a promotional endorsement of any product and should be interpreted in light of ongoing developments in AI browsing.

Browser/product	Core AI integration	Access model (as reported)	Notable strengths for researchers/journalists	Cautions or limitations
Comet (Perplexity)	Deep integration with Perplexity AI; AI sidebar; summarized pages; task automation	Initially gated to Perplexity Max; later broadened to more users; some regions may see free access	Streamlined research flow; ability to summarize, cross-check, and act within the browser; potential time-saver for backgrounding Montreal stories	Security considerations; ongoing verification required for AI-generated outputs; pricing structure evolved in 2025
Traditional Chromium-based browsers with AI plugins	AI extensions and plugins (various developers)	Free to use with community add-ons	Flexibility to assemble AI features from multiple sources; strong ecosystem of privacy controls and extensions	Fragmented user experience; reliability depends on third-party plugins; potential inconsistencies in AI behavior across sites
Dia (The Browser Company)	AI-enhanced browsing within a Chromium-based framework	Varies by region and product tier	Innovative interface ideas; ambitious approach to agentic search in a browser	Market competition; user trust depends on AI quality and privacy protections
Other AI-powered browsers	Varies (different vendors)	Varies	Exposure to a range of design philosophies; potential for competition to spur better privacy and safety	Inconsistent performance, documentation gaps, and varying levels of enterprise support

Key takeaway for Montreal readers: AI-browser ecosystems are evolving quickly, and the best choice depends on needs like speed, verification, privacy, and accessibility. For Montral Times journalists, the value proposition is not only about speed but also about preserving rigorous editorial standards in tandem with AI-assisted workflows. The ability to cross-reference AI-generated summaries with primary sources remains a critical discipline in our newsroom. The landscape will continue to change as more players enter the field and as pricing, safety, and platform support evolve. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

Real-world use cases: how Comet could reshape Montreal reporting

Case Study A: Local political coverage A reporter preparing a piece on municipal budget allocations in Montréal faces multiple sources: city council minutes, analyst reports, community group statements, and local businesses’ positions. Using Comet, the journalist could:

• Pull in and summarize multiple sources simultaneously.
• Generate side-by-side quotes and data points to facilitate quick comparison.
• Draft an outline of the story with embedded citations, while leaving room for expert verification.
• Use AI-assisted translation to ensure bilingual coverage remains precise and accessible.

Case Study B: Culture and language diversity reporting Montréal’s cultural landscape is rich and multilingual. An AI browser with strong language processing could help researchers explore coverage across French and English-language outlets, identify divergent narratives, and surface how different communities are framing a cultural event. Still, the journalist must avoid relying solely on AI outputs and should verify claims with local sources and direct experiences.

Case Study C: National affairs and cross-border topics Canadian readers stay informed about world affairs, including cross-border policy debates that affect Quebec and Montréal. An AI browser could help a reporter quickly assemble a digest of official statements, press briefings, and independent analyses. The editor should ensure that cross-source verification is performed, and citations are clearly attributed to maintain the integrity of the story.

In all these scenarios, the core practice remains unchanged: AI tools are accelerators, not replacements for rigorous reporting. Montral Times will continue to emphasize verification, transparency in AI usage, and clear editorial standards, ensuring readers understand when and how AI assistance contributed to a story.

Ethical considerations and best practices for AI-assisted journalism

The emergence of AI browsers like Comet raises important questions about ethics, accuracy, and accountability in journalism. Montral Times advises the following best practices for reporters and editors who explore AI-assisted workflows:

• Treat AI outputs as drafts: Use AI-generated summaries as starting points, not final manuscripts. Always verify with primary sources and document provenance.
• Prioritize source attribution: When AI aids in summarization or cross-source synthesis, clearly indicate the sources behind the information and include direct quotes when possible.
• Maintain bilingual accuracy: In Montréal’s bilingual environment, ensure that translations and language nuances preserve meaning and tone across languages.
• Guard privacy and security: Be mindful of potential data sharing and privacy implications when using AI assistants that access web content or personal data.
• Practice ongoing education: Stay informed about evolving AI policies, platform changes, and security best practices to adapt workflows safely.

For local readers, these standards translate into reporting you can trust and a newsroom that remains accountable for its methods. The broader industry context—security concerns raised by independent researchers and pundits—reminds us to balance innovation with vigilance. The literature and security advisories surrounding AI browsers emphasize the importance of cautious adoption and thorough vetting before integrating AI tools into daily newsroom operations. (tomshardware.com)

FAQs: common questions about Comet and AI browsers in Canada

• Is Comet free? The rollout began with paid access for select subscribers, but by late 2025, major outlets reported broader availability and a shift toward free access for many users. This reflects Perplexity’s strategy to broaden adoption while offering premium features to certain tiers. This is a moving target, and readers should check current regional availability and pricing in their area. (cnbc.com)

• What platforms does Comet support? Comet is advertised as a cross-platform browser built on Chromium, with available versions for desktop and mobile platforms. The company’s documentation emphasizes its Chromium-based foundation and extension compatibility, which implies wide platform support. Readers should consult the official Perplexity Comet pages for the latest platform availability. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

• How does Comet handle safety and privacy? Independent reviews have highlighted potential security risks and the importance of robust user controls and verification practices. As with any AI-driven tool, it is essential to use caution, verify AI-provided information, and employ best practices for safeguarding data. Journalists and readers should stay informed about security advisories from reputable sources. (tomshardware.com)

• How does Comet compare to traditional browsers? The primary distinction is integrated AI capabilities that assist with search, summarization, and task automation within the browser. Traditional browsers can be extended with AI plugins, but Comet offers a more tightly integrated experience. For readers and reporters in Montréal, this integration can translate into faster backgrounding and more cohesive workflows—provided that accuracy and sourcing remain central to the practice. (comet-help.perplexity.ai)

• What does this mean for local journalism in Canada? AI-enabled browsing tools can speed up research, expand access to diverse sources, and assist in drafting and fact-checking. However, they also raise questions about data privacy, source transparency, and the risk of overreliance on AI-generated content. Montral Times will continue to foreground rigorous verification, clear attribution, and ethical considerations in our coverage of AI in journalism. The evolving availability and pricing of Comet across Canada will shape how newsroom teams experiment with AI-assisted workflows in the near term. (cnbc.com)

Children’s dentist is not only about taking care of their teeth, it's also about taking care of their habits. This proverb reminds us that our tools shape our routines; AI browsers shape how we search, verify, and tell stories. Montral Times aims to shape those habits toward sharp thinking, careful verification, and responsible reporting.

Looking ahead: what to watch in 2026 for AI browsers and Canadian media

The AI browser space is likely to evolve quickly in the coming months and years. Expect further refinements in AI assistants’ capabilities, deeper integration with enterprise tools, and ongoing discussions about privacy, safety, and editorial standards. In Canada, readers will want to watch how pricing and access policies affect equitable use across provinces, including Quebec’s privacy laws and digital-policy conversations in Ottawa and Montréal. For Montral Times, the emphasis remains on reporting that helps readers understand what these tools can do, what they cannot do, and how journalists can use them responsibly to enhance, rather than compromise, the integrity of local reporting. The Comet story will continue to unfold, with updates shaped by user feedback, regulatory considerations, and advances in AI safety research.

As the old saying goes, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In journalism, that means embracing powerful tools while maintaining unwavering standards for accuracy, transparency, and trust.

The Montral Times perspective: a culture of careful innovation

Montral Times is dedicated to in-depth reporting on local news, politics, culture, and Canadian affairs, with a commitment to transparency and accountability. The emergence of AI-powered browsing tools like Comet represents a moment of opportunity and challenge for Canadian journalism. On one hand, AI browsing can accelerate research, improve the breadth of perspectives covered, and help reporters work more efficiently. On the other hand, it requires a disciplined editorial approach to verify AI outputs, attribute sources clearly, and protect readers’ trust. Our coverage aims to illuminate these dynamics for readers in Montréal, across Québec, and throughout Canada, all while foregrounding the values of independent journalism that has long defined the Montral Times brand.

Incorporating Perplexity Comet into the newsroom or your personal workflow should be done thoughtfully. Here are practical steps for readers who want to experiment with AI-assisted browsing while staying grounded in journalistic ethics:

• Start with two or three high-quality sources for any major claim.
• Use the AI assistant to generate a draft outline, then scrub the sources yourself to confirm accuracy.
• Maintain a bilingual workflow that respects Montréal’s language culture and avoids misinterpretation in translations or summaries.
• Document AI usage in your notes or article, including the AI’s role in the process and the sources it drew on.
• Stay alert to security advisories and privacy settings, adjusting your use as needed to protect sensitive information.

Montral Times will continue to monitor how AI browsers influence Canadian media, including how readers in Montréal access information and how journalists adapt to AI-assisted workflows. The discussion around Comet is part of a broader conversation about how technology reshapes journalism in a way that serves local communities with honesty, depth, and accountability.

A closing note on responsible AI adoption in Canadian journalism

The rise of AI-assisted browsing is a signal of broader changes in how information is found, evaluated, and shared. For readers in Montréal and across Canada, the key takeaway is not simply whether a particular browser is faster or more convenient; it is whether the tool helps produce higher-quality reporting that is transparent about sources, methods, and the AI’s role. Montral Times remains committed to that standard as we report on developments like Comet and the evolving AI browser ecosystem. The topic is rich with nuance, and our coverage will continue to explore both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with integrating AI into journalism and daily digital life.

You can download Comet browser here: https://pplx.ai/liquanlai1995366