Marketing Against The Grain: Episode Summary

Episode: Perplexity Comet: Testing the NEW AI Web Browser
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host/Author: HubSpot Media
Guests: Kipp Bodnar (HubSpot’s CMO) and Kieran Flanagan (HubSpot's SVP of Marketing)

Introduction to Perplexity Comet Browser

In this episode, HubSpot Media’s podcast Marketing Against The Grain delves into the innovative Perplexity Comet browser. Hosted by Kipp Bodnar and Kieran Flanagan, the episode serves as an in-depth exploration of this AI-native browser, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the way marketers interact with the internet.

Setting Up Perplexity Comet

The host begins by walking listeners through the initial setup of the Perplexity Comet browser. Requiring an invite code or a Perplexity Max subscription, the setup process includes personalizing the browser without importing existing data like history or bookmarks.

Notable Quote:
"I don't know if you're good enough to be my default browser. Help us improve the product." ([02:15])

Key Features Demonstrated

AI Assistant and Task Delegation

Perplexity Comet integrates a robust AI assistant directly into the browser, enabling users to manage their inboxes and calendars seamlessly. The assistant can prioritize emails, draft responses, and even automate calendar entries.

Notable Quote:
"When you're using an AI tool like Perplexity Comet, you can delegate basic tasks and get the gist in seconds." ([05:10])

Email and Calendar Integration

One standout feature is the browser’s ability to interact with Gmail and Google Calendar. The host demonstrates drafting a marketing email by researching Ramp.com and generating actionable recommendations for improvement.

Notable Quote:
"Perplexity Comet can not only draft an email but also pull in real-time data from your browsing to create personalized content." ([08:45])

Research and Content Creation

The AI assistant showcases its capability to conduct in-depth research, summarize content, and generate comprehensive reports. This feature is particularly beneficial for marketers conducting customer or competitor research.

Notable Quote:
"It really changes the game from just getting answers to taking actionable steps based on those answers." ([10:20])

Summarization and Voice Browsing

Perplexity Comet offers advanced summarization tools, allowing users to break down complex webpages or videos into digestible insights. Additionally, the voice browsing feature enables hands-free interaction with the browser, enhancing multitasking efficiency.

Notable Quote:
"With voice browsing, it's like having a conversation that transitions seamlessly into action-oriented tasks." ([11:29])

Automation Features

Automation capabilities extend to creating custom routes in Google Maps and automating repetitive clicks, saving users significant time and effort.

Notable Quote:
"Automating clicks means doing in seconds what used to take minutes, enhancing productivity across the board." ([18:50])

Host's Insights and Future Outlook

The host reflects on how AI-native browsers like Perplexity Comet represent the future of internet usage. He emphasizes the shift from passive information consumption to active task execution facilitated by AI.

Notable Quote:
"Desktop browsing is becoming very multimodal, not just text and clicks, but talking and soon, perhaps, video interactions." ([12:35])

Additionally, the host anticipates a competitive "browser war" as major players like Google and OpenAI develop their own AI-integrated browsers, pushing innovation forward.

Conclusion: Host's Verdict and Expectations

Concluding the episode, the host expresses excitement about the potential of Perplexity Comet and commits to a 30-day trial to further explore its capabilities. He highlights the browser’s immediate benefits for email and calendar management, as well as its advanced features like voice browsing and summarization.

Notable Quote:
"I think I'm going to commit to trying to use it for the next 30 days and I'll be back with some deeper lessons." ([24:10])

The host also hints at future episodes, including potential side-by-side comparisons with competing AI browsers, underscoring the rapid evolution in this space.

Final Thoughts

Marketing Against The Grain offers a comprehensive look at Perplexity Comet, positioning it as a transformative tool for marketers. By integrating AI deeply into the browsing experience, it promises to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and provide actionable insights—all crucial for modern marketing strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Integration: Perplexity Comet exemplifies the next generation of AI-native browsers, embedding AI deeply into everyday tasks.
• Productivity Boost: Features like email drafting, calendar management, and task automation significantly enhance productivity.
• Future Trends: The evolution towards multimodal browsing experiences indicates a shift in how users will interact with the internet.
• Competitive Landscape: Expect fierce competition as tech giants develop their own AI-powered browsers, driving further innovation.

For marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve, understanding and leveraging tools like Perplexity Comet will be essential in navigating the future of digital marketing and internet usage.