This article introduces Perplexity, an AI search engine, and provides a guide on how to use its features effectively. The speaker highlights how they've significantly reduced their reliance on Google since discovering this tool, emphasizing its speed, accuracy, and diverse capabilities.
What is Perplexity?
Perplexity is presented as an AI-powered browser and search tool similar in interface to other AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. However, Perplexity distinguishes itself through its speed and accuracy in retrieving information from the web.
Key Features
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Speed: Perplexity delivers search results within seconds, significantly faster than traditional search methods.
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Accuracy: Answers are based on current online content, minimizing hallucinations and ensuring reliability.
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Accessibility: Available as both a web browser and mobile app for convenient access.
Getting Started with Perplexity
Initial Setup
- Access: Navigate to the Perplexity website by searching for "Perplexity" on Google.
- Account Creation: Register for an account on the platform.
- Language Settings: Set the language preference to your desired language (e.g., Traditional Chinese) in the settings.
Utilizing Perplexity for Quick Searches
Perplexity excels at providing rapid answers to straightforward queries. The speaker recommends using the mobile app for on-the-go information retrieval.
Search Modes and Models
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Search Mode: Choose the standard search mode for general inquiries.
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Pro Search (Subscription needed): Unlocks access to more data sources and powerful AI models.
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Model Selection: Select the preferred AI model from various options, including Perplexity's own models and those from leading AI companies like Claude, GPT, Gemini and Grok. The "Best" option automatically selects the most suitable model for the query.
Example Query
The speaker demonstrates by asking: "What are the United States' economic policies toward the world's nations?" Perplexity quickly generates a response based on multiple sources, unlike some platforms like ChatGPT, which sometimes offer fewer or outdated sources. You can verify the answers given by looking at the sources provided.
Follow-Up Questions
Perplexity allows for easy follow-up questions, functioning like a rapid-response Wikipedia.
Deep Research Feature
Perplexity offers a Deep Research feature, which is akin to a more intensive research process.
Accessing Deep Research
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Navigate to the main page and locate the "Research" button.
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Free accounts typically have a limited number of free research uses per day (e.g., three).
Functionality
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Perplexity can conduct in-depth research on complex topics, often faster than other AI models, such as ChatGPT.
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The speaker exemplifies this by asking Perplexity to "research several cameras suitable for beginners."
Results and Analysis
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The deep research feature compiles information, lists recommendations, and provides links to purchase options, website and pricing.
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It offers concise summaries of product evaluations, akin to an integrated shopping interface, within a shorter timeframe.
Perplexity as a Personal Assistant and News Source
Perplexity offers additional functionalities beyond search and research.
Quick Information
- It can provide location-based information, such as current temperature and weather conditions.
News Aggregation
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Perplexity aggregates news from various sources, presenting it in a user-friendly interface.
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The news articles are generated by the platform based on user questions.
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The platform translates articles into the user's preferred language.
Conclusion
Perplexity is described as a fast and versatile AI tool. The speaker encourages viewers to try it out via a link in the video description and subscribes to the channel for updates on AI technology.