AI start-up Perplexity has released its own macOS application for the first time. An app called “Perplexity: Ask Anything” became free this week in the mac app store Available and similar to the official ChatGPT app, enabling direct use without browser detours. Perplexity doesn’t see itself as a pure chatbot, but as an AI-supported search engine. For this reason, it is also possible to use various large language models (LLMs).
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LLM with connected search engine
Technically speaking, Perplexity is Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), which combines regular search for content on the web with analysis using generative AI. The confusion can be addressed via text input or voice and is intended to provide current answers, so is not limited to the LLM training level. Answers can be further refined via chat, and Perplexity also provides links to locations for the results. The aim is to build confidence in the results – although users often do not look at the sources at hand.
It is also possible to access the Perplexity Pro payment service through the app. These provide access to better models, and up to 600 “Pro requests” can be made per day. You can also upload images and files (like PDF and CSV) and have them analyzed. It’s not that cheap: in Germany you have to pay 22 euros per month or 229 euros per year if you buy from the App Store.
Models available from multiple vendors
With reference to Tangle Pro Currently available are GPT-4-Turbo Cloud 3, Sonar 32k and GPT-4o. In standard mode up to 4,000 tokens (i.e. parts of words) can be processed per request, with Perplexitiy Pro up to 32,000 tokens are possible. GPT-4 and Cloud 3 issue up to 4000 tokens at a time.
Even users without a subscription can at least try “Pro Requests”: however, these are limited to five per day. Otherwise, only simple quick searches are allowed.
(B.Sc.)
