Perplexity Computer is presented as a highly underrated AI tool, functioning as a digital worker within Perplexity Comet. It autonomously operates computer interfaces, browsers, apps, and tools to execute complex, multi-step workflows. The tool can run background tasks for extended periods, automate research, browser actions, data extraction, and more. Its capabilities are largely limited only by the prompts given to it. Currently, Perplexity Computer is available exclusively on the Perplexity Max plan, which costs $200 per month, though there are indications that credits may be offered to lower tiers in the future.
A key feature of Perplexity Computer is its ability to connect with various apps and services, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Notion, allowing it to access and act on user data. Even without explicit connections, it can sometimes utilize default integrations for seamless operation. The tool also boasts persistent shared memory across sessions, storing user preferences, roles, and project details, and can semantically search past conversations to recall previous research or tasks. This makes it particularly powerful for long-term, multi-step projects rather than simple Q&A tasks.
The video demonstrates several complex workflows, such as automating the process of researching under-the-radar AI product releases, generating YouTube titles and thumbnails, and uploading assets to Google Drive. Perplexity Computer can run multiple agents in parallel, significantly reducing task completion time. Another business use case shown involves finding and scoring plumbing businesses in London based on their likelihood of missing calls, extracting relevant data, and exporting it into structured tables—all completed in minutes.
Perplexity Computer is also highlighted for its real-time data capabilities, such as building live-updating web apps using public APIs, and for its ability to schedule recurring tasks (cron jobs) to automate workflows at specific times. The tool provides detailed usage and credit tracking, allowing users to monitor how many credits each task consumes and manage their monthly quota effectively. The presenter emphasizes the importance of understanding credit usage, especially for frequent or resource-intensive tasks.
The tool comes with a wide range of built-in skills, including live web browsing, deep research, source inspection, file handling, data analysis, automation, image and video generation, and long-term memory. Examples include creating GIFs of stock prices, generating Instagram carousel images, building animated chart videos, and editing video clips with subtitles for social media. Unlike other AI tools that require manual installation of skills or plugins, Perplexity Computer offers these features natively, making it accessible and efficient for both individuals and businesses seeking to automate and streamline digital workflows.
