Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI accuses Amazon of “bullying” following a cease-and-desist letter demanding the startup prevent Comet users from making Amazon purchases. Amazon alleges computer fraud, claiming Perplexity lacks authorization and compromises user data. Perplexity argues Comet enhances shopping, while Amazon contends its agents degrade the experience. The dispute highlights tensions between tech giants and AI startups regarding platform integration, data security, and potential business model disruption, with Amazon developing its own AI shopping tools. The outcome could set precedents for AI integration in e-commerce.

Getty Images (GETY) shares fell over 6% after announcing a multi-year licensing agreement with AI search engine Perplexity AI. Perplexity will integrate Getty’s images into search results with attribution, enhancing result quality and user trust. Getty’s VP Nick Unsworth touted the partnership’s benefits for AI platforms. While the deal monetizes Getty’s content and gives Perplexity a vast image library, the market reacted negatively, possibly due to a lack of disclosed financial details, demonstrating investor uncertainty about the agreement’s long-term financial impact.

Perplexity AI has launched Comet, its AI-powered web browser, globally as a free service, challenging tech giants in the AI-enhanced browsing arena. Comet, initially a premium feature, aims to simplify web tasks with AI assistance. This free release is a strategic move to expand Perplexity’s user base amid competition from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, who are also developing AI-driven browser technologies. Perplexity is known for its AI search engine and revenue-sharing with publishers. Future plans include a mobile version and background processing capabilities.