Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, envisions a future where entire white-collar roles are automated by advanced AI browsers, condensing a week’s worth of work into a single prompt.
In a recent interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Srinivas remarked, “A recruiter’s work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs.” This statement highlights the mission of his AI-powered browser, Comet, and serves as a cautionary note for modern workers.
His company is at the forefront of a technological race to develop not just a smarter search engine but an AI agent capable of completing complex tasks from start to finish. Srinivas believes the best starting point for this revolution is the web browser, targeting roles like recruiters and executive assistants first.
The Automation of Expertise
Traditionally, AI was seen as an assistant, but Srinivas envisions a future where it replaces existing roles with a more capable agent. He describes Comet as an AI that can manage entire workflows, stating it can be tasked with finding engineers who studied at Stanford, transferring their details to a Google Sheet, gathering contact information, and drafting personalized outreach emails.
Similarly, the AI can assist executive assistants by managing scheduling through secure access to applications like Gmail and Google Calendar. As Srinivas explains, the agent can handle scheduling conflicts and follow up with candidates, streamlining the entire process.
A Six-Month Horizon
While Comet isn’t yet capable of executing these complex tasks flawlessly, Srinivas is optimistic about imminent advancements in AI technology. He is counting on the upcoming releases of models like GPT-5 and Claude 4.5 to break through existing barriers.
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“I’m pretty sure six months to a year from now, it can do the entire thing,” he predicts, signaling that significant disruption in these professions is not far away.
From Browser to OS: A New Layer of Automation
Srinivas aims to transform the browser into a more integral tool, evolving it into an active, intelligent layer that manages users’ workflows. He envisions a future where users can initiate multiple tasks through Comet and focus on other activities while the AI works in the background.
Liberation or Mass Displacement?
Srinivas presents an optimistic view, suggesting that increased efficiency will free up time for leisure and personal enrichment. However, this perspective raises important questions about the economic impact on those whose jobs are at risk of automation. While some may transition to roles as “AI orchestrators,” many others could face job displacement.
The AI agent, as described by its creators, represents a profound shift in the white-collar workforce. According to Srinivas, the future of work is being rapidly defined by technological advancements, and the first draft will be ready sooner than many anticipate.
SOURCE: GIZMODO
