I’ve transitioned to using Perplexity Assistant over Google Assistant, and the improvement is undeniable. Perplexity handles complicated tasks with ease and has a more user-friendly interface. After getting accustomed to this level of efficiency, I doubt I’ll ever revert.
Why Perplexity Assistant Outshines Google Assistant
When I first made the switch to Perplexity Assistant, I didn’t have high expectations. To my surprise, it felt remarkably smoother and more intuitive compared to Google Assistant from the get-go.
What really grabbed my attention was how well Perplexity Assistant integrates with other applications. In contrast to Google Assistant, which often feels fragmented while transitioning between apps, Perplexity serves as a cohesive layer across your device. It can execute complicated tasks in a single command, making it a free alternative to what ChatGPT’s Operator provides.
Google Assistant limits voice commands to simple actions. On the other hand, Perplexity lets you combine voice input with visual information. For instance, you can launch the camera and ask questions about what you see, and Perplexity will provide the answers. It’s like combining ChatGPT’s advanced voice options with Google Lens all in one app.
That said, Perplexity Assistant isn’t flawless. Unlike Google Assistant, it doesn’t have a wake word like “Hey Google,” which obliges me to activate it manually by swiping or pushing a button.
Initially, I thought this was a downgrade. However, I soon realized that it might actually be beneficial. Without an always-active microphone, I don’t have to stress over my phone listening in on my conversations. This small trade-off between convenience and privacy brings me a sense of reassurance.
How I Incorporate Perplexity Assistant into My Daily Routine
Since I started using Perplexity Assistant, it has seamlessly integrated into my everyday life. To illustrate its advantages over Google Assistant, let’s consider how each one tackles common scenarios.
For instance, if I want to book an Uber to a café with outdoor seating, Google Assistant typically requires a few steps:
First, I’d ask it to find nearby cafés with outdoor seating, waiting for a response. Then, I’d need to open the Uber app separately, type in the address of my chosen café, confirm the ride details, and finally book my ride. While not overly complicated, the process feels clumsy as I continuously switch between apps.
In comparison, with Perplexity Assistant, the experience is smooth and efficient. I simply say, “Book an Uber to the nearest café with outdoor seating,” and the assistant takes care of the rest—locating suitable options, selecting the closest one, and setting up my ride on Uber. All I have to do is confirm the booking with a single tap.
Setting reminders for upcoming events is equally straightforward. Being a devoted Real Madrid fan, instead of hunting for their next match and setting a reminder myself, I just tell Perplexity, “Remind me of Real Madrid’s next match,” and it’s done. I can even add, “Notify me a day in advance,” and Perplexity takes care of that too.
With Google Assistant, I would first need to check the schedule and then return to set the reminder afterward.
Locating specific YouTube videos is also made easier with Perplexity Assistant. I can simply say, “Play a Charlie Munger interview about marriage,” and it automatically opens YouTube and plays the correct video.
Asking Google Assistant the same thing might yield a list of videos, but I’d still have to select one and hit play myself.
These tasks may not seem huge, but the way Perplexity manages them makes all the difference. It genuinely feels like it understands my requests, whereas Google Assistant often leaves holes that I have to fill. Once you experience this level of convenience, going back is a tough pill to swallow.
Why You Should Give Perplexity Assistant a Try
I once believed that Google Assistant was the best there was. However, using Perplexity Assistant has opened my eyes to a superior option.
Imagine asking your AI to find a restaurant and being able to book a table without repeating your request. Or needing a reminder for an event and having the assistant not only locate the correct information but also set the reminder for you—without any effort on your end. Perplexity provides that kind of convenience.
While it lacks a wake word like “Hey Google,” that absence could be just what you need. You won’t have to worry about your phone constantly listening, giving you additional peace of mind without sacrificing usability.
If you’re on the hunt for an AI assistant that genuinely assists rather than merely responds, it’s time to explore Perplexity Assistant. Once you try it, you may discover, like I did, that there’s no going back.
