Tool of the week - Perplexity
Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered conversational search engine that provides precise, well-sourced answers with real-time citations, distinguishing it from traditional search engines that simply return lists of links by delivering comprehensive responses backed by verifiable sources. Perplexity AI uses large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) to deliver contextual, human-like responses with verifiable sources. It pulls data from the internet in real-time to deliver a comprehensive response to questions and prompts. The platform offers versatile applications across education, research, business intelligence, and real-time information retrieval, with features like organized research spaces, document uploads, and collaboration tools that make it valuable for both individual users and enterprise teams.
Unlike traditional search engines, it better understands context and cites sources for transparency. Perplexity goes beyond simple keyword searches. It uses cutting-edge language models like GPT-5 and Claude 4.0 Sonnet to understand the context and nuances of the input question. The process involves
Understanding the Question
Perplexity leverages sophisticated AI to interpret your question, ensuring it knows exactly what you're asking.
Searching the Web
It searches the internet, gathering information from authoritative sources like articles, websites, and journals.
Summarizing Information
Perplexity compiles the most relevant insights into a coherent, easy-to-understand answer.
Citing Sources
Each answer includes numbered citations linking to the original sources, allowing you to easily verify the information or explore further.
There are two modes of search: Pro Search and Deep Search (Research)
Pro Search is an advanced AI-powered search feature that provides comprehensive, in-depth answers to any query. It goes beyond standard search capabilities by conducting thorough research across multiple sources and delivering detailed, well-organized responses. With Pro Search, you can select which AI model you want applied to your answer.
Research: Perplexity's sophisticated research feature employs an advanced framework that mimics human cognitive processes through iterative analysis cycles. Deep Research performs dozens of searches automatically, reads hundreds of sources, reasons through material autonomously, and delivers comprehensive reports in just 2-4 minutes.
Free users can enjoy a limited number of Pro Searches per day, while Pro subscribers have access to unlimited Pro searches daily.
Perplexity AI, Inc., is privately held AI company which was founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. As of September 2025, the company was valued at US$20 billion.