Perplexity’s AI-powered search will come to Mac desktops next month

AI-powered search comes to macOS: Perplexity AI, a generative AI-based conversational and search tool, is set to launch its native Mac app on October 15, 2024, expanding its platform to desktop users.

• Perplexity, founded in 2022, utilizes its own large language models (LLMs) to provide precise answers and better summarize web content, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
• The app will be available for download on the Mac App Store, setting it apart from ChatGPT’s macOS app, which is not distributed through Apple’s official store.
• Users can pre-save and enable notifications for the app’s release, ensuring they’re among the first to access Perplexity’s AI-powered search capabilities on their Mac.

Key features and functionality: The native Mac app promises to deliver a comprehensive set of tools for users seeking efficient and accurate information retrieval.

• Pro Search feature allows users to input queries via voice or text, providing flexibility in how they interact with the AI.
• Thread Follow-Up functionality enables users to maintain ongoing conversations, potentially improving the context and depth of interactions.
• Source tracking capabilities offer transparency in information retrieval, allowing users to verify the origins of the AI’s responses.
• History search feature provides easy access to past queries and results, enhancing the user’s ability to revisit and build upon previous searches.

Pricing and availability: Perplexity aims to make its AI search technology accessible while offering premium options for power users.

• The Perplexity app for macOS will be free to download, ensuring a low barrier to entry for users interested in trying the platform.
• A subscription-based Perplexity Pro option will be available, likely offering enhanced features or capabilities for users who require more advanced functionality.
• An iOS version of the app is already available on the App Store, indicating Perplexity’s commitment to a multi-platform approach.

Market implications and competition: Perplexity’s entry into the macOS ecosystem signals growing competition in the AI-powered search and conversational AI market.

• The launch follows the release of ChatGPT’s macOS app earlier in 2024, suggesting a trend towards AI companies developing dedicated desktop applications.
• Perplexity’s decision to distribute through the Mac App Store may provide advantages in terms of visibility and user trust compared to ChatGPT’s approach.
• The platform’s focus on precise answers and web content summarization could appeal to users seeking more direct and accurate information retrieval compared to traditional search engines.

User experience considerations: The native Mac app’s design and integration with macOS will be crucial factors in its adoption and success.

• Desktop users may benefit from a more robust interface and potentially better performance compared to web-based versions of AI search tools.
• Integration with macOS features and workflows could provide a more seamless experience for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
• The ability to choose sources for Perplexity’s searches may appeal to users who prioritize control over their information sources and desire more targeted results.

Future outlook and potential impact: Perplexity’s expansion to macOS could signal a shift in how users interact with AI-powered search and information retrieval tools.

• The development of native desktop apps for AI platforms may become increasingly common, potentially changing user expectations for accessibility and integration of these technologies.
• As AI-powered search tools become more prevalent on desktop systems, traditional search engines and information retrieval methods may face increased competition and pressure to innovate.
• The success of Perplexity’s macOS app could influence other AI companies’ strategies regarding platform expansion and distribution methods.