Perplexity AI Assistant Now Available on Android

Perplexity Launches AI Assistant for Daily Tasks

Perplexity, an AI-driven search engine, has introduced a new capability termed Perplexity Assistant. This agent is designed to leverage reasoning, web searching, and application integration to streamline everyday activities.

Multi-App Actions and Web Access

Currently available on Android devices via the Perplexity application, the Perplexity Assistant facilitates “multi-app actions.” These include functionalities such as requesting transportation or initiating music searches.

Powered by Perplexity’s core search technology, the assistant possesses direct access to the internet. This connectivity enables features like event reminders, achieved through identifying relevant dates and times and subsequently creating calendar entries.

Multimodal Capabilities and Contextual Awareness

The Perplexity Assistant is multimodal, meaning it can utilize your device’s camera to provide answers based on visual input from your surroundings or screen content.

Furthermore, the assistant retains context across multiple actions. For instance, it can research local dining options and then automatically secure a reservation.

Availability and Language Support

Initially, Perplexity Assistant will be offered at no cost to Perplexity users across 15 languages. These include English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi.

Past Product Launches and Potential Issues

While promising, Perplexity has previously released products that were not fully refined. Testing revealed that the company’s shopping feature, intended to allow purchases without leaving the platform, was often slow and prone to errors.

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, acknowledged on X that certain actions within the Perplexity Assistant may experience occasional failures. He indicated that improvements are planned for the coming months.

Currently, summarizing unread emails and upcoming calendar events requires users to enable a specific notifications-based workaround.

Recent Developments at Perplexity

The launch of Perplexity Assistant follows closely after the introduction of Sonar, an API service allowing businesses and developers to integrate Perplexity’s generative AI search tools into their own applications.

Additionally, Perplexity recently acquired Read.cv, a professional social media platform.

Funding and Growth

Established in 2022, Perplexity has reportedly secured over $500 million in funding from venture capitalists and is currently valued at $9 billion.

The AI-powered search engine is experiencing substantial growth, processing more than 100 million queries weekly as it expands its monetization strategies, including an advertising program.

Legal Challenges

Perplexity is currently facing legal disputes with publishers. News Corp’s Dow Jones and the NY Post have filed a lawsuit alleging a “content kleptocracy.”

Numerous other news organizations have voiced concerns regarding Perplexity’s practice of closely replicating their content. The New York Times recently issued a cease and desist notice to the startup.

Perplexity maintains that it respects publisher content and offers a revenue-sharing program for participating outlets.