By now you are probably quite accomplished at engaging in conversations with generative text AI large language models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and perhaps even Claude 2, but have you heard about Perplexity AI?
If you’re on the look out for a smart virtual assistant that can provide you with everything that you might ever need to know, as well as having the ability to follow up on your prompts, which can lead you to even more relevant information, then you should look no further than giving Perplexity AI a test drive.
And that’s only one of the reasons why this text generator has become a popular favorite among many users already. So, what is Perplexity AI? In this blog post, we’re going to share with you just some of the cool stuff that this amazing artificial intelligence can do.
What is Perplexity AI?
You may have heard that Perplexity AI is yet another craze when it comes to AI. So, what makes this particular AI model stand out from the rest?
Well basically, using it is kind of like having your own personal Google search engine, but with bells on! When you prompt Perplexity AI with a question, its powerful AI will search for the perfect answer, using real-time information to give you the best generative text experience available.
In fact, we recommend you abandon Google search, and replace it with Perplexity.
Technically, Perplexity AI is a new AI chat tool that’s designed to act as a powerful search engine, but with some added impressive capabilities. It was designed as a natural large language and machine learning model that using the same advanced NLP as ChatGPT, and so also harnesses its power.
However, Perplexity AI’s main function is to offer accurate and informative answers to users’ questions through searching the vast expanse of the internet for the relevant information.
The key selling point over competitors like ChatGPT is that Perplexity can surf the web in real time and provide sources, including multimedia, for free.
This means that when you input a question into Perplexity AI’s main search bar, the model gets to work by analyzing multiple sources in real-time, in order to find the best possible answer to your query.
And one of its most standout features is its ability to display the sources of the information that it gives you. This enhanced level of transparency will help the user to determine the reliability and credibility of the generated information that they receive. How cool is that?
Knowing the source of the information that you receive can be vital when it comes to making the right decision, especially if you’re conducting research, or are having the AI generate text that will be used legally.
How To Play With Perplexity AI
Another great reason to start using Perplexity AI is the fact that it is completely free to use, which isn’t the case with some of the other AI wonder tools available.
Plus, it’s really easy to use, especially if you’re already used to working with ChatGPT.
So, to get started, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Head over to the Perplexity AI website
- Type your question into the search bar, and then hit the blue arrow.
- After a few moments, you’ll be able to review the answer that Perplexity AI provides, as well as all of the sources that it found to substantiate it.
- Do you have more questions? Simply use the “Ask a follow up” prompt at the bottom of the page to get the answers you want.
And that’s it… it’s as simple as that!
In our example, we asked Perplexity Ai:
How many times have men landed on the moon?
And we received a short answer, along with NASA images and related questions that others have or might ask:
Using this AI chatbot for a task such as this couldn’t be easier!
What Else Can Perplexity Do?
Perplexity AI is also very versatile, and so can be used for many purposes other than just asking random questions. Some of the most common ways people use it include:
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
Need an FAQ answered?
Well, you should now consider Perplexity AI to be your go-to buddy to get answers quickly. Whether you’re wondering about the dates of historical events, need some data on your favorite celebrity, or any other common query, just type your question into Perplexity’s search bar.
The AI will deliver the most relevant information for you. Perplexity will act like a knowledgeable friend who can give you an accurate answer within seconds of asking.
We asked Perplexity why 1776 was important to Americans, and here’s what we received:
The year 1776 is important to Americans for several reasons, but the most significant event that occurred in that year was the adoption of the Declaration of Independence[1][2][3]. The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States, as it was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule[1][3]. The war between the colonies and Great Britain was called the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783)[1]. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson, with the help of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, among others[1][3]. The final draft of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, but the actual signing of the final document was on August 2, 1776[1]. Writing and signing the Declaration of Independence took courage, but it was an important step towards the formation of the United States of America[1].
Citations:
- https://bensguide.gpo.gov/declaration-of-independence-1776
- https://history.state.gov/milestones/1776-1783/declaration
- https://bensguide.gpo.gov/m-declaration-of-independence-1776
- https://time.com/6077468/united-states-1776-racism-slavery/
- https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/july-04/
- https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/how-did-it-happen
Deepening Definitions
Whenever you come across a word or a concept that you’re unfamiliar with, Perplexity AI will provide you with clear and concise definitions. This will save you from having to reach for a dictionary, or scour the internet for the correct explanations.
Just ask Perplexity, and it will enlighten you with the meaning, as well as the context of the word, or term. Now you have a real encyclopedia in your pocket!
We wanted to start a new thread with Perplexity AI, so that we could test this with a Gen Z slang term we didn’t understand. So, we clicked the button at the top left to receive a new prompt box:
In the prompt box, we asked:
What does touch grass mean in Gen Z slang?
And here’s what we received from Perplexity:
“Touch grass” is a slang term used by Gen Z to tell someone to go outside and spend time in nature as a way to improve their mental health and well-being[2][5]. It is often used in response to someone who is spending too much time online or indoors and may be experiencing negative effects such as stress, anxiety, or burnout[5]. The phrase can also be used to tell someone to calm down or take a break[2][3]. It is used to indicate that someone needs to come back to reality and get some fresh air[1]. The term has become so popular that it is now common to see memes and jokes referencing it on social media[5].
Citations:
- https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=touch+grass
- https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-definitions/touch-grass/
- https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/touch-grass
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/jan/11/gen-z-lingo-ussy-nepo-babies–touching-grass-2536568.html
- https://www.spieltimes.com/features/what-is-touching-grass-exploring-the-popular-internet-slangs-origin-and-how-to-use-it/
- https://www.insider.com/gen-z-slang-terms-meanings-2023-3
Providing Step-by-Step Instructions
Want some help with a project, need to get the right details for a recipe, or have to build a new computer from scratch? Well, help is at hand with Perplexity AI, because it can give you the detailed step-by-step instructions you need to get the job done precisely.
All you need to do is describe what it is that you want to achieve, and the AI will guide you through the process, all the while making it easy for you to follow, as well as understand.
Using Perplexity AI in this way will be like having a patient and knowledgeable mentor by your side while you go through the motions.
We love using ChatGPT for these type searches as well.
Finding Opening Hours
Are you planning to go to your favorite restaurant or store, but you don’t know the exact opening times? Well, not to worry, because here comes Perplexity AI to the rescue. Just ask it about the establishment you want to visit, and Perplexity AI will find the most up-to-date opening hours for you.
So, now there’s no need for you to have to search online or call the premises, which will save you time and energy you need to enjoy your experience.
Checking Forecasts
Are you wondering whether you need to bring an umbrella with you or slap on the sunscreen before you leave the house? Well, look no further than Perplexity, which can help you prepare yourself for the day ahead.
Ask it about the weather forecast for your local area, and it will give you the most up-to-date information, including the current temperature, and whether or not there’s a chance of precipitation.
In all of the above cases, Perplexity AI’s strength lies in its ability to not only process natural language, but also to access the vast amounts of data that’s available from the internet in real time.
This means that it is continuously learning, and therefore improving, so you can expect even more accurate and helpful responses as this AI chatbot continues to gather more knowledge from user interactions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need quick facts or detailed explanations, Perplexity AI is here to make your quest for information really easy. And the best part — Perplexity AI is free to use, and its user-friendly interface, which slightly resembles Google Search, makes it easy to navigate, so it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical background.
And as it continues to evolve and learn from user interactions, you will no longer be wondering what is Perplexity AI. This model has the potential to become an even more valuable resource than ChatGPT for gathering information, both quickly and efficiently.
So, if you’re ever in need of reliable and factual answers, and want to explore a whole treasure trove of knowledge, then getting acquainted with Perplexity AI may just hold that key. You won’t be perplexed for much longer if you do!
