Perplexity launches a native Mac app
- Perplexity launched its native Mac app as a response to competition from established AI tools.
- The app features free usage alongside a paid subscription service for advanced functionalities.
- With a focus on user experience through voice and file interactions, this launch aims to strengthen Perplexity’s market position.
Today, on October 24, 2024, Perplexity, an AI-focused search startup, unveiled its native Mac app to enhance its competitiveness against well-known applications like ChatGPT and Poe. Users had previously shown interest by signing up for pre-orders, anticipating the app’s launch. Besides offering a free version, the company has introduced a subscription plan called Perplexity Pro, available at $20 per month or $200 annually. The new Mac app features several functionalities aimed at improving user experience, including keyboard shortcuts for quick searches. It also allows interactions via voice mode, which can be beneficial for users preferring auditory communication. The app supports file uploads, enabling users to ask questions about their documents, a feature that was already available on the website, but is enhanced through voice dictation in the new application. Additionally, users can engage in conversations more fluidly by posing follow-up questions and accessing their conversation history through a sidebar interface. The launch of this Mac app follows the successful release of the company’s iOS and Android applications last year, indicating Perplexity's continuous effort to expand its presence in the AI market. In essence, the launch of this Mac app and Perplexity Pro aims to solidify the company's position in the competitive landscape of AI applications, catering to a diverse user base with innovative features that prioritize ease of use and interactivity.