Perplexity AI Demos 'Computer' Tool for Complex Tasks
Perplexity AI has unveiled "Computer," an advanced AI tool capable of performing complex, multi-step tasks from a single prompt. A demonstration showed the tool building a live web application to track satellite data using orbital information and SGP4 propagation. The launch highlights the increasing capability of AI agents to execute sophisticated workflows.
- Instead of relying on a single AI, "Computer" orchestrates 19 different specialized models, using Anthropic's Opus 4.6 for core reasoning, Google's Gemini for in-depth research, and others like Grok for speed-focused tasks. - The tool represents a strategic shift for Perplexity from an AI "answer engine" to an autonomous system that executes entire workflows, capable of running for hours or even months to complete a project. - Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas describes the system's approach by quoting Steve Jobs: “Musicians play their instruments, I play the orchestra,” highlighting the strategy of coordinating various specialized AI models. - The platform is initially available to subscribers of Perplexity's "Max" plan, which costs $167 per month, with access for Pro and Enterprise tiers planned to follow after successful load tests. - Each task assigned to "Computer" runs within an isolated, secure sandbox environment that includes its own file system, a real web browser, and integrated software tools. - This launch places Perplexity in the growing "AI agent" market, which focuses on automating complex workflows in sectors like finance, marketing, and software development, rather than just answering questions. - San Francisco-based Perplexity AI was founded in 2022 and reached a valuation of $20 billion following a $200 million funding round in September 2025, with investors including Jeff Bezos and Nvidia.
