Conversational search just got a lot more fun with the new Perplexity app for macOS and the launch of ChatGPT search

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The AI-powered search game is gaining momentum. OpenAI adds search capabilities to ChatGPT just yesterday, and a week ago, Perplexity launched a desktop application for macOS. Perplexity can now be considered a leader in AI-powered search, and Mac users can now quickly use Perplexity’s advanced search engine right from their desktop without having to access it through a web browser.

If you’re not familiar with Perplexity, it’s a conversational search engine launched the same year as ChatGPT. It allows you to ask questions and make requests using natural language (like how we communicate with each other in real life). Like ChatGPT, there are two tiers for users: a free “Standard” tier that allows for an unlimited number of “quick” searches, ideal for those looking for quick and basic answers generated by the standard Perplexity AI model (plus five free Pro level searches). per day) and the “Pro” level, which includes quick searches as well as 600 Pro searches per day.

It’s these Pro searches that are recommended for more complex and lengthy queries, allowing you to choose from several different AI models and tools, including OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Athropic’s Claude-3. It also includes the ability to analyze files such as PDFs, spreadsheets, and images using artificial intelligence tools. You can subscribe to Perplexity Pro for $20 per month or $200 per year.

What’s good about Perplexity for macOS?

Now the macOS app brings these key Perplexity features straight to your desktop, allowing you to search Pro while typing or using your voice. Perplexity will then return real-time answers based on advanced AI models that are backed by cited sources so you can check the veracity of Perplexity’s answers for yourself.

The app also introduces a new multi-threaded conversation feature, allowing you to ask follow-up questions to your original request without losing the Perplexity context of the original question, allowing for more naturalistic back-and-forth messaging. It also has a library feature that saves past searches and discoveries, as well as the ability to create custom shortcuts for quick access to your favorite features.

Before you decide to subscribe, I would recommend that you first try Perplexity for free – either in your browser or by downloading the macOS app, which is already available in the Mac App Store.

It’s interesting to see the proliferation of AI-powered conversational search products, and I’ve seen discussions around ChatGPT’s new search features on sites like Reddit, arguing that it could (or perhaps should) light a fire for companies like like Google to stay competitive. . If you are a ChatGPT Plus user, a Team user, or have signed up for the SearchGPT waitlist, you should see that ChatGPT offers you the ability to search for answers online. Enterprise and Education users will have access to it in the next few weeks, and it will be available to all free users in the next few months.

You can already get the ChatGPT desktop app for both macOS and Windows 11, and I’m guessing its search capabilities extend to the app (or at least they’re coming soon).

I think it’s hard to say whether Perplexity or ChatGPT will be ahead when it comes to conversational search. ChatGPT is more well known, but Perplexity has been in this particular game a little longer. Either way, I’m intrigued and will be keeping a close eye, and I’m really looking forward to digging into both of them.

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