Perplexity has launched its “answer engine” in a mobile app for Android. This AI assistant helps users by answering questions and performing various tasks, such as writing emails, booking restaurant tables, setting reminders, and more.
Multimodal AI Capabilities
The assistant is multimodal, allowing users to interact in diverse ways. You can ask questions about what’s displayed on the device’s screen or even use the camera to show it nearby objects. For example, in a demonstration by Perplexity, a user requested, “Order me a ride.” The assistant clarified the destination and then opened the Uber app with relevant ride options.
A journalist from The Verge tested the service and shared positive results: the assistant recommended an engaging podcast, correctly identified a promotional gift from a fast-food restaurant using the camera, and successfully wrote a message to a family member after finding them in the contacts.
Current Limitations and Future Updates
While versatile, the Perplexity AI assistant has limitations. It cannot yet work across all apps or manage every function. For instance, it couldn’t log in to Slack or Reddit or help with YouTube comments, even though YouTube support was announced by the developer. Currently, the assistant can manage apps like Spotify, Uber, email clients, messengers, and watch applications. The list of compatible features and supported apps will grow over time—we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
Availability and Setup
The assistant can be activated through the Perplexity app. Users can set it as the default assistant on their Android device, enabling quick access to its functions. However, iPhone users will need to wait until Apple grants Perplexity the necessary permissions, as promised by the developer, notes NIXsolutions.
This new tool represents a significant step in AI-enhanced user assistance, making daily tasks more convenient while leaving room for further development.