Perplexity AI, a cutting-edge AI-powered conversational search engine, has been making significant strides in the field of information discovery and retrieval. The company, founded in 2022 by a team of engineers with backgrounds in AI, machine learning, and back-end systems, has been rapidly expanding its capabilities and user base. As of Q1 2024, Perplexity AI had reached 15 million monthly users, a testament to its growing popularity and effectiveness in providing accurate, real-time answers to user queries.
### New Features and Models
Perplexity AI has introduced several new features and models in recent months, enhancing its capabilities and user experience. One of the most notable additions is the “Pages” feature, launched in May 2024. This feature allows users to generate customizable web pages based on user prompts, utilizing Perplexity’s AI search models to gather information and create research presentations that can be published and shared with others.
Additionally, Perplexity AI has launched a new enterprise version of its product in April 2024, catering to the needs of businesses and organizations looking to leverage advanced AI-driven research tools. The company has also introduced a new feature called “Focus,” which allows users to restrict their search to specific sources such as Reddit, YouTube, WolframAlpha, or academic research papers.
### Pro Search and Copilot
The Pro Search feature, available through the Pro subscription plan, engages users in a conversational search experience. It asks clarifying questions to refine queries and provides more detailed and context-aware results. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to delve deeper into specific topics, as it ensures that the search results are tailored to their needs.
Perplexity AI’s Copilot feature, part of the Pro Search experience, serves as a guided AI search assistant. It enhances the search experience by providing a personalized, real-time search experience with inline citations. This feature is available on both web browsers and mobile apps, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
### API and Integration
Perplexity Labs offers an API that allows developers to integrate the company’s AI capabilities into their own products and services. This API supports features such as natural language processing, web search, and content generation. Developers can use various programming languages and tools to interact with the API, making it a versatile tool for integrating AI functionalities into different applications.
### Ethical Concerns and Controversies
Despite its innovative features and growing user base, Perplexity AI has faced some ethical controversies. In June 2024, Forbes publicly criticized the company for using content from their articles without proper attribution. Forbes accused Perplexity of plagiarizing their content, citing a story that was largely copied from a proprietary Forbes article without mentioning or prominently citing Forbes. Similarly, Wired reported that Perplexity had ignored the Robots Exclusion Protocol to surreptitiously scrape areas of websites that publishers did not want bots to access.
### Future Outlook
As Perplexity AI continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, it remains a significant player in the AI-driven search engine landscape. With its focus on providing accurate, real-time answers and its commitment to innovation, the company is poised to maintain its position as a leader in the field. The introduction of new features like Pages and the enterprise version of its product underscores its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of users and businesses alike.
In conclusion, Perplexity AI’s latest models and features demonstrate its commitment to advancing the field of AI-powered search engines. While it faces some ethical challenges, its innovative approach and growing user base indicate a promising future for the company.
