Since its launch in December 2022, Perplexity has gained traction among AI power users. According to a recent AI Proficiency Survey, 5% of the general workforce uses Perplexity, but a significant 33% of AI Experts rely on it. The company is on track to generate $35 million in revenue this year, a remarkable increase from $5 million the previous year.
Despite its growing popularity, Perplexity remains relatively niche compared to ChatGPT (61% adoption), Microsoft Copilot (32%), and Google’s Gemini (28%). However, its unique approach to AI-powered search is earning it a dedicated user base.
What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity is essentially an AI-powered search engine that streamlines the research process. Unlike traditional search engines such as Google or Bing, which return a list of links, Perplexity scours the web and provides conversational, AI-generated responses while citing its sources. This makes it a powerful tool for those who conduct extensive online research.
Key features include:
- Conversational deep dives: Users can engage in a dialogue, asking follow-up questions to refine and personalize results.
- AI-powered research assistant: It summarizes key points from multiple sources, eliminating the need to open and compare numerous tabs.
- Citation transparency: Unlike black-box AI responses, Perplexity provides source links for verification and further exploration.
Pricing and Features
Perplexity offers three versions:
- Free: Basic AI-powered searches with limited capabilities.
- Perplexity Pro: A premium version with access to advanced AI models.
- Enterprise Pro: A business-grade version for large organizations.
Quick Search vs. Pro Search
One of the main differentiators between Perplexity’s free and paid plans is the type of search available.
- Quick Search: Available for free, it prioritizes speed using a basic AI model. Responses are concise, making it a more intelligent alternative to Google.
- Pro Search: Unlocks deeper, more comprehensive search capabilities with AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, offering:
- Deeper research: Aggregates and synthesizes insights from more sources.
- Better responses: Advanced models like GPT-4 and Claude 3 provide more nuanced answers.
- Multi-step reasoning: Complex queries are broken down, with the AI displaying its thought process.
- Code interpretation and data analysis: Can execute code within the chat interface, useful for analysts and developers.
Focused Search for Specific Needs
Perplexity also allows users to tailor their searches with specialized “focus” options:
- Academic Focus: Searches academic databases for peer-reviewed articles.
- Social Focus: Scans social media platforms and discussion forums.
- Video Focus: Searches video platforms like YouTube and generates summaries.
- Writing Focus: Helps with drafting, brainstorming, and coding.
- Math Focus: Uses Wolfram Alpha for solving equations and data analysis.
Perplexity’s AI-Generated Knowledge Pages
In May 2024, Perplexity introduced Pages, a feature that creates AI-generated articles by aggregating multiple sources into a structured format, similar to Wikipedia.
- Users enter a topic, and Perplexity compiles relevant information from various sources.
- It generates a comprehensive article, complete with citations.
- The content can be edited, shared, and updated over time.
Why Perplexity Matters
With an overwhelming amount of information on the internet, search engines like Google still require users to sift through multiple links to extract relevant insights. Perplexity simplifies this process by presenting well-structured, conversational responses with source citations.
For researchers, students, analysts, and knowledge workers, Perplexity is a game-changer. While the free version offers significant value, power users who require deeper searches and access to premium AI models may find the $20/month Pro version worthwhile.
How iT360 Can Help
Understanding and integrating AI tools like Perplexity into your workflow can significantly enhance efficiency and decision-making. At iT360, we help businesses and professionals navigate the evolving AI landscape. Whether you need assistance with AI adoption, automation strategies, or optimizing research workflows, our experts can guide you.
Book an AI & Automation Workshop with iT360 today or Contact Us and discover how cutting-edge AI solutions can transform the way you work.
