ERMAL ALIBALI

Perplexity AI is a cutting-edge AI-powered search engine that’s making waves in the tech community. Let’s explore its origins, what it does, and answer some burning questions you might have about it. 

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

Origins of Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI was founded in August 2022 by a group of visionary engineers: Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. These founders brought a wealth of experience from their previous roles at OpenAI, Meta, Quora, and Databricks. 

Their mission? To create an AI-powered research and conversational search engine that could provide accurate, real-time answers to any question.

Since its inception, Perplexity AI has grown rapidly, attracting significant investment from high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and Bessemer Venture Partners. By mid-2024, the company had reached a valuation of $3 billion. 

Impressive, right?

What Does Perplexity AI Do?

Perplexity AI is not just another search engine; it’s a conversational AI that leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) to provide quick, personalized answers to your queries. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

1. Real-Time Answers: Perplexity AI searches the internet in real-time to gather insights from top-tier sources and distills this information into clear, concise summaries.
2. Inline Citations: It provides citations within its responses, so you can verify the sources of the information.
3. Freemium Model: The free version uses Perplexity’s standalone large language model (LLM), while the paid version, Perplexity Pro, offers access to advanced models like GPT-4, Claude 3.5, and more.
4. Focus Feature: Users can restrict their searches to specific domains like Reddit, YouTube, or academic papers.
5. Pro Mode: The Pro version allows users to upload and analyze local files, generate images using AI, and access an API.

Is Perplexity AI Better Than ChatGPT?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Both Perplexity AI and ChatGPT have their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Accuracy: Perplexity AI is designed to provide more accurate and up-to-date information by consulting a variety of online sources. ChatGPT, on the other hand, relies on its training data, which may not always be current.
• Flexibility: ChatGPT excels in generating detailed, natural responses and can handle a wide range of tasks. Perplexity AI, while great for search-like queries, may not be as versatile.
• User Experience: Perplexity AI offers a more search-engine-like experience with inline citations, making it easier to verify information. ChatGPT is more conversational and can be used for a broader range of applications.

In summary, if you’re looking for accurate, real-time information with citations, Perplexity AI might be the better choice. However, for more general-purpose tasks, ChatGPT could be more suitable.

Can I Buy Perplexity AI Stock?

As of now, Perplexity AI is not publicly traded. The company is still in its early stages, having been founded in 2022. However, it has attracted significant investment and could go public in the future. For now, if you’re interested in investing, you might consider venture capital firms that hold stakes in Perplexity or look for pre-IPO investment opportunities.

Is Perplexity AI Free?

Yes, Perplexity AI offers a free version that provides basic search functionalities. The free version uses Perplexity’s standalone LLM and allows users to access all search modes1. However, for more advanced features like access to GPT-4 and other premium models, you’ll need to subscribe to Perplexity Pro.

Is Perplexity AI Safe?

Safety is a top priority for Perplexity AI. The platform adheres to strict data privacy guidelines to protect user information. While no AI tool is entirely foolproof, Perplexity AI has been designed to provide accurate and concise answers, making it a safe choice for most users. However, as with any online tool, it’s essential to use it responsibly and verify the information from trusted sources.