Introduction: A Bold Claim from the AI World

Artificial Intelligence is steadily transforming how we search, work, and interact with digital tools. But Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has now pushed the conversation into new territory. At the center of this transformation is Comet, an AI-powered browser he claims can effectively replace two white-collar jobs: the recruiter and the administrative assistant.

This bold claim isn't just theoretical. Early users and tech experts are already seeing glimpses of what an AI-powered agentic browser can do. So the question is: Can Comet actually do the work of two humans—and what does that mean for the modern workplace?

What Is Comet? A New Breed of Browser

Launched in July 2025, Comet is a Chromium-based browser designed for more than just navigating the web. It includes an intelligent AI assistant embedded into the interface that can:

• Understand natural language instructions

• Access and interact with other web apps (like Gmail, Google Calendar, LinkedIn, and Amazon)

• Automate routine digital workflows

Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Comet isn't just reactive. It's built to act like an agent, proactively carrying out multi-step tasks, organizing your digital workspace, and executing complex sequences—all while staying within your browser.

The Two Roles Under Threat: Recruiters and Admins

1. Recruiter Tasks – Automated

Srinivas described how a recruiter’s weeklong workflow could be done by Comet in a single prompt:

“A recruiter’s work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach-outs, follow-ups, updating Google Sheets, scheduling chats, and preparing briefs.”

With access to tools like LinkedIn, Gmail, and spreadsheets, Comet can:

• Source candidates based on preset filters

• Write and send outreach emails

• Follow up automatically

• Maintain recruitment pipelines in Google Sheets

• Schedule interviews and prep the hiring manager

2. Administrative Assistant Duties – Replaced

Administrative assistants handle:

• Scheduling meetings

• Managing inboxes

• Drafting emails

• Booking travel or restaurants

• Preparing summaries and reminders

Comet has already performed many of these in beta testing. For example:

• Booking restaurants via OpenTable integrations

• Summarizing and replying to emails

• Inserting calendar invites and coordinating schedules

These are routine, repeatable tasks—perfect for AI automation.

Real-World Use and Reactions

Early User Experiences:

• IBM testers found Comet successfully completed real-world tasks such as translating travel sites, drafting email replies, and setting up meetings.

• Dharmesh Shah (Simple.ai founder) called Comet “the first real reason to consider switching from Chrome.”

User Interface and Workflow:

• Familiar tabbed interface

• An always-visible AI sidebar to prompt actions

• Context-aware execution: Comet knows what you’re doing and offers assistance in real time

Limitations and Concerns

While promising, Comet isn't perfect.

✅ Pros:

• High automation potential

• Natural-language interface

• Integration with essential work tools

• Clean, responsive design

❌ Cons:

• Still invite-only (as of July 2025)

• USD 200/month price tag—best suited to enterprises or tech-forward users

• Occasional errors in task execution

• Privacy and trust issues—users must grant Comet access to sensitive platforms

For many organizations, especially in regulated industries, that’s a serious consideration.

The Bigger Picture: Is the Workforce Ready?

The debate is already heating up:

• Some leaders, like Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, warn that half of all white-collar jobs could be automated within a decade.

• Others, like Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, argue AI will augment rather than replace jobs.

Regardless of stance, tools like Comet raise the bar for human productivity. Employers may begin hiring fewer junior assistants or recruiters—or may redefine those roles to focus on AI oversight, configuration, and strategy.

Competitive Pressure: The Browser Wars Begin

Perplexity is racing ahead, but it’s not alone:

• Google and OpenAI are also working on AI-rich browsers.

• Perplexity is in talks with Samsung and Apple to pre-install Comet on mobile devices.

• The browser landscape is evolving fast—from passive search to AI-first productivity hubs.

If Comet succeeds, it could spark a full-scale transformation in how businesses interact with the internet—no more switching between apps or tabs; just intent to action.

Conclusion: A Glimpse of the Future of Work

Comet is more than a browser—it’s a prototype for the AI-powered digital employee.

While it may not fully replace humans (yet), it already shows the potential to:

• Cut hiring needs for routine roles

• Increase efficiency for knowledge workers

• Redefine what “being productive” means in a browser

As AI agents evolve, the workplace itself will change. Businesses, employees, and policymakers will need to adapt quickly—because the tools of tomorrow aren’t arriving someday. They’re already here.