Perplexity on Android: What it can do and how to get it

Perplexity has launched its AI assistant for Android devices, offering task automation and visual recognition capabilities through a mobile interface.

Key Features and Functionality: Perplexity’s mobile assistant extends beyond basic question-answering to perform various automated tasks and interpret visual information through the device’s camera.

• Users can request assistance with writing emails, setting reminders, and booking services through voice commands
• The assistant includes multimodal capabilities, allowing it to analyze on-screen content and process visual information through the device’s camera
• Integration with popular apps like Uber enables automated actions such as ride booking

Real-World Performance: Initial testing demonstrates the assistant’s practical applications across various use cases, though with some limitations.

• The system successfully identifies recent items like promotional Pokémon products and can handle basic media requests
• Task execution includes features like automatic YouTube video playback and text message composition using contact information
• Integration currently works with select apps including Spotify, YouTube, Uber, and basic phone functions like email and messaging

Technical Implementation: The integration process requires specific user actions to enable full functionality on Android devices.

• Users must install the Perplexity app and set it as their default assistant
• Access is available through either a corner swipe gesture or holding the home button
• The service remains unavailable on iOS due to Apple’s permission restrictions

Current Limitations: The assistant faces some notable restrictions in its current iteration.

• App compatibility is limited, with popular platforms like Slack and Reddit not yet supported
• Certain social features, such as YouTube commenting, are not currently available
• iOS implementation remains pending due to platform restrictions

Market Context and Future Development: The launch coincides with broader industry movements in mobile AI assistance while maintaining focus on expansion.

• The release parallels Samsung’s introduction of Gemini integration in the Galaxy S25
• Perplexity’s team indicates ongoing work to expand app support and feature functionality
• Platform availability may broaden pending changes in iOS permissions

Looking Forward: The initial Android release represents an early step in mobile AI assistance, with success likely depending on expanded app integration and platform support. The assistant’s practical utility will largely be determined by how quickly Perplexity can broaden its compatibility across popular apps and services.