Top AI App Launches on Mac (Not ChatGPT)

On Thursday, Perplexity revealed the launch of a new native app designed for Mac, which allows users to access its innovative “answer engine” directly from their desktop without relying on a web browser.

The Perplexity desktop app is currently available for download from the Apple App Store. It boasts several features that are exclusive to Mac users, including Pro Search, which offers a guided AI search for deeper insights, and options for text and voice prompts. The app also provides “cited sources” for each answer given.

The application supports threaded conversations, enabling users to pose follow-up inquiries while the AI retains context from previous discussions. Additionally, it incorporates a library function that keeps track of past searches for future reference. Users can conveniently navigate the app using various keyboard shortcuts.

⌘ + ⇧ + P — coming soon.

Pre-order now: https://t.co/Z9UF7og614 pic.twitter.com/S7sSTWO2KS

— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) September 30, 2024

While the desktop application is free to download, users must subscribe to Perplexity’s Pro plan, which costs $20 per month or $200 annually, in order to utilize the app. This subscription offers various benefits, including up to 600 “Pro Searches” each day, the option to select different AI models, and the ability to analyze uploaded files and images. The Perplexity web app remains free, allowing unlimited Quick Searches and up to five Pro Searches daily, which provide more comprehensive answers than Quick Searches.

This announcement follows the rollout of two new features just a week prior: Internal Knowledge Search and Spaces. The Internal Knowledge Search allows the AI to sift through both web information and user-provided files to generate more accurate responses. Spaces introduces a collaborative area reminiscent of ChatGPT Canvas, where users can view responses to their inquiries outside of a chat format.

The Perplexity Mac app marks the fourth evolution of the company’s AI technology, following the releases of its web app and apps for Android and iOS last year.

However, Perplexity has faced numerous accusations regarding unethical practices, including unauthorized data scraping and copyright infringement. The organization is currently embroiled in a lawsuit initiated by News Corp, alleging that it unlawfully mined data from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post in violation of copyright laws.