Alphabet Shares Dip as Perplexity Launches Free AI Browser Challenger

Alphabet (GOOGL) shares slipped 0.54% to $244 amid growing competition in the AI browser space. Perplexity AI, backed by Nvidia, released a free version of its agentic browser Comet—previously available only through a $200/month premium subscription. The MOVE directly challenges Google's Chrome dominance while targeting what CEO Aravind Srinivas calls 'slop': low-quality AI-generated content flooding the web.

Comet's capabilities extend beyond traditional browsing, functioning as an autonomous agent capable of scheduling meetings, conducting research, and executing e-commerce transactions. While the free version lacks premium features like spreadsheet tools and Labs presentations, its release intensifies pressure on incumbents as the AI browser wars escalate.