13 | Is Perplexity the real threat to Google Search ?

This week, we teach you The AI research tool that saves me hours every week.

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Our Menu :)

• Weekly Digest:

  • What is Perplexity AI? 

  • How to use Perplexity?

  • Perplexity vs ChatGPT

  • Perplexity’s threat to Google

• Actionable Tips:

  • Try Perplexity

  • Try Perplexity Lab with Mistral

• Training & Talk:

  • OutLet Capital conversation Aravind Srinivas

  • Survey

ARTICLE
What is Perplexity AI?

The essence of Perplexity lies in its role as an answer engine, not merely a search engine.

When we query traditional search engines like Yahoo or Google, we often encounter a list of links. Clicking these links redirects us to various websites where we hope to find our answers. This method is becoming increasingly inefficient.

Perplexity, however, takes a different approach. It amalgamates a variety of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 (utilized by ChatGPT) and Gemini (employed by Google Bard), along with the best open-source models. These are then integrated with comprehensive indexes and databases filled with facts.

This combination of a Reasoning Engine (powered by LLMs) and a Facts Engine (comprising databases) establishes Perplexity as a sophisticated Answer Engine.

Its capabilities include:

• Engaging in conversational AI about any specific topic.

• Allowing users to ask follow-up questions to enhance the accuracy of search results.

• Providing citations for each response.

• Offering updated information continuously, unlike ChatGPT, which has a knowledge cut-off.

Look at a simple test between ChatGPT and Perplexity

However, it's important to note that Perplexity's system isn't foolproof. There are instances where the LLM might reference inaccurate internet data or misinterpret questions and answers. Despite these limitations, the system is designed to minimize errors, making Perplexity's answers more reliable than those from ChatGPT, in my view.

A key advantage is the way Perplexity ranks sources by their trustworthiness. For example, a reputable source like the NewYork Times would carry more weight than a lesser-known Medium publication.

Who is behind Perplexity, and is it a reputable company?

Leading the charge at Perplexity is CEO and Co-Founder Aravind Srinivas, armed with a Ph.D. in AI from Berkeley and a rich background in AI and machine learning, including stints at OpenAI and DeepMind.

Recently, Perplexity made headlines with its impressive Series B fundraising, securing $73.6 million from a cohort of elite investors. This group includes industry giants like Nvidia and Jeff Bezos. The investor are “La Crème de la crème” of the AI world, featuring luminaries such as Yann LeCun, Andrej Karpathy, and Clem Delange. For a comprehensive list, you can visit Perplexity's blog.

How to use Perplexity

When researching a new topic or idea, start by asking Perplexity AI a question. The model quickly processes and analyzes sources, providing a concise answer with integrated citations in just seconds. These citations are also copied along with the response.

Perplexity also offers follow-up questions, much like Google. I've found these to be incredibly useful, often more so than my initial query, as they allow me to explore related concepts and various perspectives efficiently.

Additionally, Perplexity allows users to organize their queries and conversations into 'Collections.' This feature is excellent for categorizing different research topics or projects. For example, I use one collection for AI-specific research and another for general life administration and planning

2 ways to save time with Perplexity

1) Copilot Feature:

Activate 'Copilot' in Perplexity to let the model engage with you through follow-up questions, ensuring you get the most accurate answers.

But here's the twist: Copilot transforms the search experience into a dynamic, assistant-like interaction. For instance, if you're planning a trip to Japan, Copilot will ask additional questions to tailor the search. You can customize your profile for more contextual answers, similar to ChatGPT.

Perplexity's free plan offers a limited number of Copilot-enhanced searches daily, while the paid plans provide extensive access (up to 600 searches per day). Remember, Copilot is an add-on for complex inquiries, not for your everyday simple searches.

Experience Copilot in Action =>

2) Enable <focus mode>

Perplexity also offers Focus Mode, which narrows your search into a specific domain. You can think of this like adding the "site:" parameter to a Google search. For example, you can restrict your search to Reddit, and Perplexity will "read" through dozens of Reddit comments for you. A great use case is product recommendations or opinionated answers - things I use Reddit for already.

But it's interesting to me how Perplexity's Focus Mode somewhat mirrors GPTs. In both cases, the systems are less effective by being general purposes. And users can get better results by paring back the given context that the model works with.

I searched for 'reviews of Perplexity focus mode' on YouTube

The response to 'reviews of Perplexity focus mode' on YouTube was impressive, highlighting the platform's efficiency over typical, ad-lengthened videos

-Perplexity's straightforward communication is a standout, avoiding the need for advanced prompting required by ChatGPT for clear, unembellished answers.

-Notably, it retrieves relevant videos across languages, like a well-produced French video about “focus mode”.

Academic paper search

prompt:

Video Content Analysis using LLM

Google Search vs Perplexity

Both Google and Perplexity successfully led me to the desired document (arxiv.org/abs/2306.14924), with Perplexity also directing me to a Semantic Scholar search yielding a range of scientific papers.

Both were equally swift, but I kept my final conclusion about Google for the end 🙂

Google Search

Perplexity Search

Perplexity vs ChatGPT

Perplexity may initially appear as just another competitor to ChatGPT. True, they share some capabilities, but they cater to different needs and are likely to continue coexisting.

ChatGPT functions as a versatile assistant, capable of brainstorming and drafting essays, creating images, and even executing code. However, its ability to work with up-to-date facts or perform web searches is limited, feeling somewhat tacked on. In comparison, Bing Chat exhibits a more internet-native approach than ChatGPT in this aspect.

Perplexity stands apart with its lack of a 'knowledge cutoff.' Its information is as current as its latest internet crawl, making it ideal for exploring the web in depth and uncovering answers to unanticipated questions. However, it's less adept outside this scope - for instance, I wouldn't rely on Perplexity for coding tasks.

Both tools have their place, and depending on your regular tasks, it might be worthwhile to invest in both. I recommend starting with their free versions, as they offer a substantial range of functionalities.

Perplexity’s threat to Google

Another compelling reason to discuss Perplexity goes beyond the productivity enhancements it offers. Perplexity represents a glimpse into the future of search technology.

It's what Google Bard should have aimed to become. In contrast, Bard seems more like just another entry in the ChatGPT-competitor space. Given Google's vast access to global information, it's in an ideal position to create the ultimate AI assistant. However, fully realizing this potential might mean sacrificing its lucrative revenue stream from ads – a multi-billion-dollar dilemma

ACTIONABLE TIPS
Try Perplexity

Click below to go to Perplexity

ACTIONABLE TIPS
Try Perplexity Lab with Mistral

Perplexity Labs is offering Mistral Medium in chat mode for free, but only.

Here you can try different LLMs as the Reason Brain of Perplexity.

ACTIONABLE TIPS
OutLet Capital conversation Aravind Srinivas

Outset Capital's Ali Rohde and Josh Albrecht interview Perplexity AI CEO, Aravind Srinivas.

This fireside chat is part of our 'Thursday Nights in AI" series, co-hosted by Outset Capital and Imbue.

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