What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity AI is an AI-driven search engine. Rather than providing a list of links like Google, it crawls the web and provides you with a direct answer with the sources listed at the side. Just like asking a knowledgeable friend a question; they can provide you with an answer directly and cite their sources.
How is it different from Google?
Instead of ‘clicking’ a link to find the answer yourself, Google gives you a list of links. Perplexity weighs the pages and presents the final answer in text form for you. Just what you need when you have a sharp question.
And you can see which sites it used to arrive at that answer so you can double-check if you feel like it.
Now that’s refreshing.
Is it free?
On the other hand, Yes, Perplexity does offer a free version that works really well. There is a paid version, Perplexity Pro , which gives you access to better AIs and has unlimited searches. But the free version can handle all normal searches just fine.
Where does it work best?
Perplexity is great for research questions for which you’d like quick summary answers. Perplexity works well when asking questions such as what are the side effects of a particular medicine, how does a particular piece of technology work, or what has happened in the news today/week. It is not as helpful for specific websites or local information such as can’t get from Google.
Any limitations?
Sometimes Perplexity makes mistakes. Like any AI it can be inaccurate or give you a fact that isn’t up-to-date. Always check the sources it links to before taking his word for it, particularly if it is some form of legal or medical advice. Also it’s not always up-to-date with the latest news.
Should you use it?
Yes, Definitely try it out. It won’t replace Google but it’s a excellent tool to utilize alongside. When you’re doing research and have a few factual questions to resolve, Perplexity is usually faster and more helpful than classic search. Test the free version out for a week and see if it alters your seach behavior.
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