Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI Launches Android AI Assistant to Compete with Top PlayersPerplexity AI Unveils New Merger Proposal for TikTok

Perplexity AI launches its Android-based assistant, backed by Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, to compete with top AI players like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, offering users a free, multitask-capable AI agent.

Perplexity AI, the San Francisco-based AI startup, has launched a new Android-based assistant, marking a significant step in its evolution. Backed by Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, Perplexity AI is positioning itself to compete with tech giants like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Apple's Siri, Google's Assistant, and Amazon's Alexa. This new feature, named the 'Perplexity Assistant,' was officially rolled out on January 23, 2025.

The Perplexity Assistant is a multimodal AI agent designed to perform a wide range of tasks autonomously. From composing emails to setting reminders, playing YouTube videos, translating Shakespeare, or even booking dinner reservations, the assistant offers a robust suite of functionalities. A user can simply ask, "Get me a ride," and the assistant will automatically book an Uber or another app-based ride, learning the user's preferences over time.

Accessible through the Perplexity mobile app, this assistant is capable of operating via voice commands, a single action button, or gestures. The app supports 15 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Hindi, making it a versatile tool for users worldwide.

CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized the company's goal of transitioning Perplexity from an "answer engine" to a fully integrated assistant capable of interacting with other apps. This shift will enable Android users to set Perplexity as their default assistant, unlocking a host of capabilities not found in existing competitors.

While OpenAI's similar AI agent, Operator, performs autonomous tasks like booking flights and grocery orders, it is currently available only for ChatGPT Pro subscribers, costing $200 per month. In contrast, the Perplexity Assistant is free to all Android users, underscoring the company's commitment to making cutting-edge AI accessible.

Srinivas also expressed his belief that Android's openness to competition in digital assistants could challenge Google's dominance in search engines. He also mentioned that while the Perplexity Assistant is currently available for Android, the company is seeking Apple's permission to bring it to iOS devices.

This launch reflects the growing trend in generative AI, as leading companies continue to push the boundaries of what AI can accomplish in personal and professional contexts.