Perplexity AI is the new AI-powered search tool on the block (since December 2022). The free version does not frustratingly bombard you with so many ads as Google.
Unlike Google, Perplexity AI is a conversational type search tool. It focuses on giving users summarised / concise responses to prompts / questions. Google on the other hand, acts more like a type of encyclopaedia with multiple possible responses to the prompt / question. Thus, if you want a quick direct, not widely researched response, Perplexity AI is, to a large extent, the go to solution.
But, to some extent, comparing Perplexity AI with Google is a touch unfair. Perplexity AI is an AI-driven search tool whereas Google could more be described as an AI assisted search tool. A better comparison would be between Perplexity AI and Gemini. The latter is the AI LLM (large language model) chatbot of Google. This is because both are AI driven.
To compare Perplexity AI with Gemini is, to some extent, also a little unfair. This is so because Perplexity AI, in essence, is a search tool whereas Gemini is primarily a LLM chatbot, with a powerful search feature. The reason why I designate a comparison between Perplexity AI and Gemini as being better suited is because both are AI-driven.
Unlike Google, when a prompt / question activates the search functionality of Gemini, it does not give users many responses to choose from. In this regard, when prompting Gemini that activates its search functionality, it often reverts with crisp summarised responses, very much the way Perplexity AI does.
A major flaw with Perplexity AI is that it generally tends to draw its responses / answers from formal / official sources/ data. This means, by way of example, if one does a search on the effectiveness of gear locks, it will give you responses drawn from data to be found on websites of gear lock manufacturers. We all know how reliable this data will be. In this example, the algorithm of Perplexity AI place less emphasis on experiential critique. Mind you, if a search is done on the effectiveness of gear locks, experiential critique would be more valuable to a user than data from manufacturers.
When doing the same gear lock search on Gemini, it will give one a crisp / summarised response drawn from a wider spectrum of data sets. In its response, it will, for example, include experiential critique.
For general searches with multiple options to choose from, Google is the bat. For crisp conversational responses to prompts / questions, Perplexity AI would be better. However, for a more balanced perspective in certain contexts, where a crisp summarised response / answer is needed, Gemini might be more appropriate.
All of the various AI tools have their pros and cons. Some are more suited than others in certain context. Thus, with these AI modalities and tools, it is not a question of either or. One has to assess which AI tool would be best suited in a given scenario.
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