Perplexity Launches Cloud-Based AI Agent for High-Tier Subscribers
Perplexity introduces a new cloud-based computer agent that uses 19 different AI models to execute complex workflows. The company is shifting its focus away from mass user growth to target enterprise customers making high-stakes decisions.
Perplexity rolls out a new agentic tool called Perplexity Computer for its highest subscription tier. This cloud-based system unifies various AI capabilities into a single interface and uses 19 different AI models to execute complex workflows independently. The tool even creates subagents to handle specific problems, and it helps users collect data, perform analysis, and share findings as finished websites or visualizations.
The launch comes with a few hiccups, as the company cancels a press demonstration just hours before the event due to undiscovered flaws in the product. Despite this setback, the tool represents a significant evolution for Perplexity as it moves beyond its early search-engine-like answer service and last summer's Comet web browser. Running entirely in the cloud potentially spares Perplexity Computer from the security concerns that plague other agentic tools on the market.
Perplexity is actively shifting its business strategy in response to a rapidly changing AI ecosystem. The company abandons its advertising business to preserve user trust and pivots away from competing for massive user numbers. Instead, executives state they are focusing on a boutique audience of enterprise subscribers who rely on deep research to make "GDP-moving decisions."