Perplexity, the leader in AI search, has officially launched a major agent tool called "Perplexity Computer." This product aims to automate complex workflows by integrating 19 different top AI models, marking Perplexity's strategic shift from a single search entry point to a versatile "computer user agent."

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Core Features and Technical Characteristics

  • Multi-Model Integration System: Perplexity Computer does not rely on a single model but dynamically calls different underlying technologies based on task attributes. For example, the system uses Gemini Flash for visual queries, Claude Sonnet4.5 for software engineering, or GPT-5.1 for medical research.

  • Independent Execution of Complex Workflows: This tool can independently handle end-to-end tasks ranging from collecting statistics and financial analysis to legal research. It even has the ability to create "sub-agents" to address specific sub-issues within the main task.

  • Full Cloud-Based Security: Unlike tools such as OpenClaw, Perplexity Computer runs entirely in the cloud, effectively avoiding security risks that may arise from local execution.

Business Model and User Profile

  • Targeting High-End Subscriptions: This tool is currently available only to users of the Perplexity Max plan, which costs $200 per month.

  • Focusing on "GDP Decision-Makers": Company executives revealed that Perplexity no longer pursues broad monthly active users (currently tens of millions, still far below OpenAI's 800 million), but instead precisely targets professionals and enterprise clients who make decisions impacting GDP growth.

  • Abandoning the Advertising Model: Although Perplexity was a pioneer in AI advertising, the company recently announced it would abandon this business, believing that ads could harm users' trust in the accuracy of answers. It will now focus entirely on enterprise subscription revenue.

Industry Competition and Future Plans

To enhance competitiveness, Perplexity has developed its own AI-optimized search API, no longer relying on third-party indexing. The company also launched a complex research benchmark test Draco and claims its deep research capabilities have surpassed competitors such as Gemini.

Additionally, Perplexity plans to hold the Ask Developer Conference in San Francisco on March 11 and is expected to launch the iOS version of Comet Browser next month, further building its ecosystem of multi-model collaboration.