In an era dominated by traditional search engines, innovative platforms are emerging, leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine our search experiences. Today, we’re spotlighting a promising contender: PerplexityAI.
Delving into PerplexityAI
Perplexity AI, a conversational search engine, employs the GPT-3 language model from OpenAI at its core. Unlike traditional chatbots, Perplexity is designed to be more of a knowledge discovery tool. This distinction allows it to suggest sources and provide direct answers to user queries, setting it apart from competitors.
Standout Features
- Search Focus & Copilot: Users can fine-tune their search with the Focus feature, while the GPT-4-powered Copilot mode engages them for detailed, personalized responses. Notably, free users get 5 Copilot queries every 4 hours.
- Multilingual Support: Perplexity accommodates non-English speakers. Users can specify their preferred language in their AI profile or directly instruct the engine, like “answer in Deutsch”.
- API Access: Currently, Perplexity does not offer API access. However, any future changes will be communicated to users.
- Input Limits: For search prompts, there’s a 2000 token limit, roughly 8000 characters. The AI profile has a slightly lower threshold at 1500 characters.
- Using Perplexity on Discord: Interestingly, users can access and utilize Perplexity directly from its discord server, offering a seamless experience for those familiar with the platform.
Pricing & Accessibility
While Perplexity does offer a Pro version at $20/month or $200/year, granting benefits like increased Copilot usage and GPT-4 access, it also provides essential services free of charge. However, it’s essential to note the discrepancies between information sources. We recommend referring to Perplexity’s discord server for the most up-to-date details.
Key Features of Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI burst onto the scene with “Ask,” an answer engine launched in December of the same year. In a short span of four months, the platform impressively amassed 2 million monthly active users. This rapid growth is a testament to the potential of AI in reshaping search experiences.
- Search Focus: This tool allows users to hone in on specific sources for more relevant outcomes. By selecting the ‘Focus’ option, users can narrow down the results to a specific domain, ensuring all subsequent queries in the thread maintain this focus.
- Copilot & Quick Search: While Copilot acts as an interactive search assistant, posing clarifying questions to refine the search, Quick Search is designed for speed, offering straightforward answers. Both are engineered to truly grasp the user’s intent.
- Enhanced Answers: Exclusive to Perplexity Pro users, this feature can be activated in the settings. Once toggled on, the AI provides richer, more in-depth answers to queries.
- Threads: Threads encapsulate the entire conversation between the user and Perplexity AI. They not only hold the initial query but also any subsequent questions and responses. Users can edit, title, and share these threads, ensuring a comprehensive record of their search journey.
Commitment to User Privacy
In the digital age, privacy is paramount. Perplexity AI addresses several privacy concerns:
- Data Collection: Perplexity may gather technical information like IP addresses, device type, and browser-type, among others. Interaction data, such as pages accessed, is also collected.
- Data Storage: While the platform does store personal data like names and email addresses, it ensures that this data is retained only as long as the account remains active. A user can request deletion of their data by reaching out to the support team.
- Third-party Sharing: The platform has a strict no-sell policy regarding user data. However, certain service providers, like those handling email communications or payments, might have access to this data.
- AI Learning: User queries and feedback are utilized to refine the AI, enhancing the overall search experience. However, users can opt-out of this by toggling off the ‘AI Data Usage’ option in the settings.
A Flourishing Future
Perplexity AI recently celebrated a significant milestone by securing $25.6 million in a series A funding round. With notable names like Peter Sonsini of New Enterprise Associates and Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, backing the platform, the future seems bright.
Their long-term vision is clear: to evolve beyond a traditional search engine and create a comprehensive knowledge hub. With features like cited sources for every answer, they are not only ensuring accuracy but also promoting transparency and trustworthiness.
Briefly using PerplexityAI this afternoon for some simple searches, it provided answers quickly and easily. It did struggle with some brief, niche-industry specific questions, but no more so than Google does. While not testing it extensively, we would consider this a promising potential replacement for more traditional search engines already and worth at least giving it a test on an individual level.
Perplexity AI stands as a testament to the transformative power of AI. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, tools like Perplexity will play a pivotal role in reshaping how we search, learn, and grow. However, as with all AI tools, users should approach with awareness, ensuring they get the most out of these advanced technologies while being cognizant of their limitations.