Perplexity’s new Computer is another bet that users need many AI models

This week, subscribers of Perplexity will gain access to an innovative tool designed to streamline AI capabilities. Dubbed Perplexity Computer, this new offering aims to integrate a wide array of AI functionalities into one cohesive system. Specifically, Perplexity describes it as a user agent capable of independently executing intricate workflows by utilizing 19 different AI models, even generating subagents to tackle specific tasks. Currently, this tool is accessible only to users of the premium subscription tier, priced at $200 per month under the Perplexity Max plan. As a cloud-based solution, it potentially alleviates some security concerns associated with other agentic platforms, such as OpenClaw. Although TechCrunch has not conducted a hands-on review, demonstrations available on Perplexity’s website illustrate its ability to handle diverse tasks, including data collection, analysis, and the generation of reports presented as websites or visualizations. Last week, Perplexity executives held a press briefing to discuss the product and the company’s strategic plans for the upcoming year. Although a live demonstration was initially scheduled, it was canceled due to last-minute product flaws. This new tool signifies a pivotal shift for Perplexity, which first gained attention during the early days of the AI boom by providing user-friendly interfaces for advanced models, particularly through its search-engine-like service. Following this, the company launched the Comet web browser last summer. In response to evolving market dynamics, competitors like Google have adapted their offerings to mirror those of Perplexity. One executive acknowledged that while this imitation is flattering, it also poses a competitive challenge. As the landscape transforms, Perplexity is redefining its approach; after previously venturing into advertising, the company ceased this practice late last year, citing concerns over trust and accuracy in user responses. Despite boasting a user base in the tens of millions, Perplexity's figures still lag behind OpenAI, which claims approximately 800 million weekly users and has begun testing ads in its ChatGPT platform. Moving forward, Perplexity aims to cater to a more niche audience, focusing on products that assist those making significant economic decisions. During the briefing, unnamed executives emphasized their commitment to enterprise subscriptions, particularly for detailed research. Recently, Perplexity introduced Draco, a benchmark for complex research tasks, where its own deep research capabilities outperformed rivals like Gemini. The company asserts that it now operates independently regarding its web indexing, having developed its own AI-optimized search API. Perplexity continues to prioritize a user-friendly experience while advocating for the importance of utilizing multiple third-party large language models (LLMs) to provide cost-effective and precise answers. One executive stated, “Multi-model is the future,” arguing that specialization among models is more beneficial than commoditization. The platform has observed that users often switch between models to achieve their desired results, with queries for visual output typically directed to Gemini Flash, while software engineering tasks are often assigned to Claude Sonnet 4.5, and medical research is conducted with GPT-5.1. Perplexity’s software can intelligently select the most suitable model based on the task at hand. The company also employs its modified open-source Chinese-built LLMs to answer queries more economically, a strategy that previously drew criticism for a lack of transparency. However, executives believe that, when communicated openly, this method could enhance LLM query efficiency. Additionally, users are invited to utilize a feature called Model Council, allowing them to query multiple models simultaneously. Despite uncertainties surrounding the economics of providing multiple queries under flat-rate subscriptions, Perplexity is confident about maintaining its competitive edge by strategically allocating tokens to the most effective models. Looking ahead, the Perplexity Comet browser is set to launch on iOS next month, and the company has scheduled a developers’ conference, Ask, for March 11 in San Francisco to encourage third-party engagement with its API. One executive noted a shift in focus from daily query counts to recent revenue metrics, reflecting a renewed emphasis on financial performance. However, some customers have voiced concerns about new rate limits affecting both free and subscription tiers, which executives have dismissed as unfounded claims, asserting, “Any discussions on the free tier being made worse or rate-limited is completely false.”