Google AP2 Protocol, Amazon AI Agents, HHS $100 Million

The AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments across search, e-commerce, and research. Perplexity AI is making its AI-native browser, Comet, free worldwide, aiming to combat internet 'slop' and offer a better user experience. Previously part of a $200-a-month subscription, Comet now offers a $5 monthly add-on, Comet Plus, for premium content access. This move positions Perplexity to challenge established players like Google. In e-commerce, Google has introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open-source system enabling AI agents to make purchases using 'intent mandates' and partnering with payment giants like PayPal and Mastercard. Amazon is also leveraging its extensive business operations to train its next generation of AI, shifting focus towards autonomous AI agents capable of performing actions. Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services is doubling its funding for childhood cancer research to $100 million, with a significant portion dedicated to AI-based diagnostics and treatments. Other companies are also integrating AI into their offerings: ServiceNow launched its AI Experience platform with agentic AI capabilities, Peloton introduced AI coaching with Peloton IQ alongside updated fitness machines, and Quantum Metric received an award for its Felix AI platform, preparing for agentic AI beta releases. The broader impact of AI on business is becoming clearer, moving beyond hype to deliver real results in areas like marketing, customer service, and data analysis, though businesses must understand AI concepts and establish governance for effective adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Perplexity AI makes its AI-native browser, Comet, free globally to combat low-quality internet content.
• Comet Plus, a $5 monthly subscription, offers access to premium content from partners like CNN and The Washington Post.
• Google launches the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) to enable AI agents to make purchases, integrating with PayPal and Mastercard.
• Amazon trains its next-generation AI using its internal business operations, focusing on autonomous AI agents.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) doubles childhood cancer research funding to $100 million, prioritizing AI projects.
• ServiceNow unveils its AI Experience platform, featuring unified conversational interfaces and agentic AI capabilities.
• Peloton introduces AI coaching with Peloton IQ and updates its fitness machine line.
• Quantum Metric's Felix AI platform receives an award, with agentic AI capabilities set for beta release.
• AI is demonstrating real-world business impact in marketing, customer service, and data analysis, moving beyond initial hype.
• Businesses need to understand AI concepts and establish governance for effective adoption and to avoid inaccurate information from generative AI.

Perplexity browser now free to fight internet 'slop'

Perplexity is making its AI-native browser, Comet, free for everyone worldwide. CEO Aravind Srinivas stated this move aims to combat the increasing amount of low-quality internet content, often called 'slop.' The free version of Comet will have usage limits. For $5 a month, users can access premium content from partners like CNN and The Washington Post through Comet Plus. Perplexity's goal is to provide a better, more accessible internet experience.

Perplexity's Comet AI browser is now free for all users

Perplexity has made its AI browser, Comet, available for free globally. This browser, which debuted three months ago, features a sidecar assistant that helps summarize web pages and manage content. Previously, Comet was part of a $200-a-month subscription. Perplexity is also offering a $5 monthly add-on called Comet Plus for access to premium content. Max subscribers will receive a new 'background assistant' capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Perplexity AI offers Comet browser free worldwide

Perplexity AI has launched its AI-powered web browser, Comet, for free worldwide. Initially priced at $200 per month for Perplexity Max subscribers, Comet has garnered millions of sign-ups on its waitlist. The browser acts as a personal assistant, helping with searches, organizing tabs, and drafting emails. This move positions Perplexity to compete with rivals like Google and OpenAI in the AI browser market. Perplexity also offers Comet Plus for $5 monthly, providing access to content from partner publishers.

Perplexity's Comet AI search engine now free globally

Perplexity AI has announced that its AI-powered search engine, Comet, is now available for free to all users worldwide. Previously, Comet had a subscription cost of $200 per month. The company aims to build a better internet experience with this accessible tool. This launch is part of Perplexity's strategy to challenge established search engines like Google.

Perplexity's AI browser Comet is now free for everyone

Perplexity has made its AI-powered browser, Comet, generally available at no cost. Launched in July, Comet has a waitlist of millions. The browser features an assistant that aids with research, meetings, and e-commerce. Perplexity also introduced Background Assistants, AI tools that operate in the browser, inbox, or background. A mobile app version is expected soon. Comet Plus, a $5 subscription for publisher content, is also available.

AI is changing marketing: Real results beyond the hype

Artificial intelligence is significantly impacting the marketing industry, moving beyond hype to deliver real results. AI tools help marketers work more efficiently by analyzing data for patterns and optimizing strategies. Examples include Netflix's personalized recommendations, Zendesk's customer service bots, Amazon's AI image generation for ads, Facebook's Copysmith for ad copy, and Spotify's curated playlists. While skepticism exists, AI's ability to personalize suggestions, automate tasks, and generate content is transforming how brands connect with consumers.

AI myths debunked: Understanding AI's real impact on business

Many businesses already use AI for tasks like data analysis and automation, not just the new generative AI (GenAI). GenAI can create text, images, and code but may produce inaccurate information if trained on poor data. Businesses need to understand AI concepts like Machine Learning and Large Language Models to implement them effectively. Key benefits include increased efficiency, improved communication, and cost savings through automation. Establishing clear governance policies and identifying strategic AI opportunities are crucial for successful adoption.

Amazon trains AI using its own business operations

Amazon is developing its next generation of artificial intelligence by using its vast internal services as training grounds. Rohit Prasad, head of AI at Amazon, explained that this 'model factory' approach allows AI systems to learn new tasks quickly in real-world environments. The company is shifting focus from conversational AI to autonomous AI agents that can perform actions. Amazon also uses AI to automate less glamorous tasks, like software upgrades, to improve internal efficiency.

New app creates fake videos with your face

A new social app called Sora is gaining popularity for its ability to create fake videos featuring users' faces. These videos can place individuals into movie scenes, memes, or even fabricated news events like arrest videos. The app further blurs the lines between reality and AI-generated content, highlighting the growing capabilities and potential misuse of artificial intelligence in media creation.

Google launches Agent Payments Protocol for AI purchases

Google has introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open-source system allowing AI agents to make purchases on behalf of consumers. This system uses 'intent mandates' to provide an auditable trail for authorization. Google has partnered with major payment entities like PayPal and Mastercard, and AP2 is also integrated with cryptocurrency protocols. The system aims to revolutionize e-commerce by enabling agent-to-agent transactions, though verifying agent identity remains a key consideration.

Quantum Metric wins award for Felix AI

Quantum Metric has received the Artificial Intelligence Award at the 2025 ISG Software Innovation Awards for its generative AI technology, Felix AI. This platform helps brands analyze digital experiences and respond to customer needs faster. Felix AI has significantly reduced analysis time and improved decision-making speed for global enterprises. Quantum Metric is now preparing to launch agentic AI capabilities in a limited beta release.

TV veterans launch AI startup for interactive entertainment

Former TV producers Gavin Purcell and Kevin Pereira, along with Rex Sorgatz, have launched a new company called And Then. They are using AI to create interactive entertainment experiences where users can converse with AI characters. Examples include a game show and a scenario where users must persuade an alien to grant them docking access. The company believes human creativity is central to these AI-driven narratives and is seeking investment to monetize their platform.

ServiceNow launches AI Experience platform

ServiceNow unveiled its AI Experience platform on September 30, 2025, featuring a unified conversational interface and new agentic AI capabilities. The platform integrates with native and third-party large language models to enhance workflow automation and customer service. ServiceNow is expanding partnerships with companies like Cloudera and Five9 to support secure and flexible AI deployment within enterprises.

Peloton introduces AI coaching and new machines

Peloton is refreshing its product line with five updated machines, including the Cross Training Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+, and Row+. These machines feature swivel screens and improved connectivity. The company also launched Peloton IQ, an AI-driven coaching platform designed to offer personalized training across all devices. These updates aim to boost sales and reposition Peloton in the connected fitness market.

HHS doubles childhood cancer research funding for AI projects

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is doubling its funding for childhood cancer research to $100 million. This increased funding will accelerate the development of AI-based diagnostics, treatments, and prevention methods. The HHS will utilize AI to analyze electronic health records and claims data to inform research and clinical trial design through the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative.

Sources

• Find out how Perplexity wants to fight AI 'slop' with its latest browser
• Perplexity’s Comet AI browser now free; Max users get new 'background assistant'
• Perplexity AI rolls out Comet browser for free worldwide
• Perplexity now offers its AI-powered search engine Comet for free in challenge to Google
• Perplexity Makes AI-Powered Browser Available to All at No Cost
• AI in Marketing: Hype vs. Reality – How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Strategies and Delivering Results
• Exorcising AI Myths: What's Really Haunting Your Business
• Amazon’s ‘model factory’ is training the next generation of AI on the tech giant’s own business
• This social app can put your face into fake movie scenes, memes and arrest videos
• From E-Commerce to A-Commerce: The Dawn of Agentic AI Payments
• Quantum Metric Wins ISG Software Innovation Award for breakthrough Generative AI
• Former ‘Tonight Show’ Producer Launches AI Startup In Bet on Interactive Entertainment
• Is ServiceNow’s AI Experience Platform Launch and Expanded Partnerships Reshaping the Investment Case for NOW?
• Peloton Unveils AI Coaching, New Machines To Boost Sales
• HHS doubles childhood cancer research funding to accelerate AI-based projects