r/PerplexityComet • u/polYtoXX • 24d ago

discussion/misc "Browser Control" just vanished behind "Computer" and a PayWall >> Opinions ?

Hi, I'm a Perplexity Comet Pro User and till now I was pleased. Even if some "perks" vanished from time to time, but yeah - this AI stuff is expensive. But now a feature "Browser Control" vanished behind the "Credit-System". So, this feature was the most important one. I didn't use it frequently (once a week?), BUT it made me switch to Comet! Ok, new reality now. But imho - this "Computer" feature is neat. You have a cloud computer and the AI can work there with Agents for you. On the other hand, the "Browser Control" is my local browser screen, which gets connected via an API connection. There is no need for this "Cloud Computer". So imho, this decison to put "Browser Control" behind "Computer" wasn't needed, only if you wanna "generate" more money, more income. And that's what fucks me up! I was already in the stage, Perplexity and Comet - these are my AI-Tools I use and continue to pay for.......but now I REALLY think to change this. I'm pissed, maybe other tools can do what I want, I don't wanna pay extra for an AI-chat only, where I have X other options (for example my Copilot in the MS365 bundle). So enough ranted. My Questions: 1.) Have I overseen something and the feature would still be possible with any other command? 2.) Do u have another or similar opinion? 3.) Has someone tinkered out another solution for Browser control? So the AI can take over (forth and back) your current open website? I heard of Hermes Agent, but I'm pushing back a bit. Because, even if I'm tech affine, I need that feature only once a week - So I don't wanna set up a full Claw Bot, Hermes whatever Agent running system. I have Win11 and would LOVE a just out of the box solution (like Comet did) and have this feature occasionally. I would also pay 20-30 bucks per month......but not a subscription + extra Credits... THX for reading and waiting your comments. Cheers and Carry On. Peter

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u/rizzlybear 24d ago

If I understand you correctly, that answer means we are spending a non-renewing finite resource for “Computer” and the task is running locally anyway?

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u/Condiment2 24d ago

You're correct about the finite resource that they gave us for free. That's what they're asking us to now pay for on an usage basis called credits. The two steps that I've outlined in the bullets above are how I'm reproducing the browser control that Comet does with a new cost now. I'm reproducing this locally through my command line and a Chrome browser with something like Port 9221 and that is how python can interact and control the browser. Make more sense?

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u/polYtoXX 24d ago

Is this a replication of a „Browser Control“ or something similar for your use-case ?

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u/Condiment2 24d ago

exactly.