Perplexity has introduced a new groundbreaking tool for its subscribers this week, known as Perplexity Computer. Described as a comprehensive user agent that consolidates various AI capabilities into a single system, Perplexity Computer boasts the ability to autonomously execute intricate workflows using 19 different AI models. It can even generate subagents to tackle specific issues, showcasing its versatility and efficiency.
Available exclusively on the company’s top-tier subscription plan, Perplexity Max priced at $200 per month, the tool operates entirely in the cloud, which sets it apart from other agentic tools like OpenClaw in terms of security measures.
Although JS has not conducted a hands-on demonstration of the tool yet, Perplexity’s website showcases example workflows where Perplexity Computer handles tasks such as data collection, financial and legal analysis, and sharing findings through websites or visualizations.
During a recent background briefing with executives, Perplexity unveiled its plans for the tool, intending to demonstrate its capabilities. However, the demonstration was canceled last minute due to product flaws discovered just hours before the event.
This new tool marks a significant milestone in Perplexity’s evolution, following its success with frontier AI models integrated into user-friendly interfaces and the launch of its Comet web browser last year. The company is adapting to the changing landscape by focusing on serving a more exclusive user base, catering to individuals making crucial decisions that impact the economy.
Perplexity has shifted its strategy by prioritizing enterprise subscriptions, particularly for in-depth research purposes. Executives emphasized their dedication to quality over quantity, aiming to provide tailored products for users involved in significant decision-making processes.
With the recent release of Draco, a benchmark for complex research tasks, Perplexity has demonstrated its superiority over competitors like Gemini in the deep research sector.
Furthermore, Perplexity has enhanced its search capabilities by developing its AI-optimized search API, reducing reliance on external companies’ APIs. The company emphasizes the value of combining multiple third-party LLMs to deliver cost-effective and accurate answers to user queries, highlighting the importance of a multi-model approach.
Perplexity’s executives assert that the future lies in specialization rather than commoditization of AI models, citing user preferences for switching between models to achieve desired results. By orchestrating a variety of models, Perplexity aims to optimize query responses efficiently.
Looking ahead, Perplexity plans to launch its Comet browser on iOS next month and host a developers conference, Ask, in San Francisco to promote third-party API usage. Despite some customer complaints regarding changes to free and subscription tiers, executives maintain that the company is focused on enhancing user experience and ensuring transparency in its operations.
