Jeff Bezos has no doubt: Perplexity AI will radically change the way we search for information. His conviction is so strong that it prompted the Amazon founder to invest as much as $73.6 million in the California startup, which has fewer than 40 employees and works out of a coworking space in San Francisco. But what is Perplexity really all about? Why is it attracting so much attention in the tech world? And most importantly: how can we integrate it into business processes to gain real benefits?
Perplexity AI: what is it and how does it work?
Perplexity is a conversational search engine that relies on artificial intelligence. It combines OpenAI’s GPT-4 with open source language models such as Meta’s Mistral and Llama 2, using NLP (Natural Language Processing) and machine learning technologies to provide answers that are natural, contextualized, and always up-to-date.
Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity acts as an intelligent chatbot: users can ask complex questions in natural language and receive consistent, complete, and detailed answers. In addition, thanks to the follow-up mode, it is possible to interact sequentially, refining searches dynamically.
Why does Perplexity stand out from other search engines?
Its real strength is its ability to combine web search with artificial intelligence. When it is asked a question, the system:
- Conduct an online search by drawing on reliable sources (thanks to Bing).
- Analyze the results with a language model to extract the most relevant information.
- Cite the sources used, reducing the risk of “hallucinations” (misinformation).
- Suggests related questions to further explore the topic.
All this makes it fast, accurate and transparent. Users also have the opportunity to contribute by reporting incorrect or unsupported answers.
The story of Perplexity
The story of Perplexity AI is fascinating. Founded in August 2022 by Andy Konwinski, Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats and Johnny Ho-all experts in the field of language models-the startup aims to democratize access to knowledge by making complex information accessible to all.
Perplexity AI and natural language analysis
Through the use of NLP, Perplexity not only understands the meaning of questions, but also grasps the context in which they are asked. This makes it particularly effective in answering complex questions, adapting tone and content to the user’s level of knowledge.
Learn how to use Perplexity in business processes
Perplexity can prove to be a valuable ally in various business settings. Here are some strategies for making the most of it:
- Research and development. Discover trends and innovative ideas that meet market needs.
- Competitive analysis. Obtain rapid and reliable information for market intelligence activities.
- Process automation. Simplify repetitive tasks and document analysis.
- Customer Support. Provide timely and automated responses to frequently asked questions.
- Internal knowledge management. Facilitate knowledge transfer between departments or teams.
Note
To ensure effective integration, it is critical to have a strong corporate culture on the use of AI.
Find out how much Perplexity AI costs!
- Free version: offers limited access, perfect for taking a look at the platform.
- Perplexity Pro: only $20 per month (about €18.30) or $200 per year (about €183).
Perplexity Assistant on Android: what it is and how to install it
In February 2025, Perplexity launched its Virtual Assistant for Android, an innovation designed to compete with Google Assistant and Gemini.
Here’s how to install it
- Download the Perplexity AI app from the Google Play Store.
- Create an account (or sign in with Google).
- Follow the automatic configuration or set it manually:
- Settings > Default Apps > Digital Assistant > Select Perplexity.
- Grant the necessary permissions: microphone, contacts, SMS, location.
Good news!
The Assistant is also available in the free plan.
Here’s how it works
Currently, there is no voice command; it is simply activated with a gesture or by holding down the standby button for a long time. Once activated, it appears at the bottom of the screen, ready to receive both text and visual commands via the camera.
Attenzione
Attualmente non è disponibile su iOS e presenta alcune limitazioni nel settore smart home
Conclusion
Perplexity AI marks a real revolution in online search by combining a search engine and conversational artificial intelligence. Its applications in the corporate world are many, ranging from marketing to internal support, making it a strategic tool for improving operational efficiency. With the arrival of the assistant on Android, Perplexity takes another step toward integrating AI into our lives on a daily basis.
