Perplexity Launches 'Computer' AI Platform
AI search company Perplexity has launched "Computer," a new multi-model AI system designed to autonomously create and execute entire digital workflows. The platform integrates several AI models to handle complex, multi-step tasks from start to finish, marking a significant step towards end-to-end AI automation.
The "Computer" platform, launched on February 25, 2026, is an evolution of Perplexity's product line, moving beyond a search engine to what the company calls a "general-purpose digital worker". It is designed to handle complex, long-running tasks by breaking them down into smaller sub-tasks and assigning them to the most suitable AI model. At its core, "Computer" utilizes a multi-model orchestration framework. This system dynamically routes different parts of a workflow to a variety of specialized AI models. For instance, it uses Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 for core reasoning, Google's Gemini for in-depth research, and other models like Grok for speed-sensitive tasks. This platform distinguishes itself from single-model systems like ChatGPT by acting as a project manager that delegates work. Instead of a user interacting with one AI, "Computer" coordinates up to 19 different models to produce a finished product, such as a formatted spreadsheet or a booked travel itinerary. Each subtask runs in an isolated cloud environment with its own browser and filesystem access for security. Access to Perplexity Computer is currently exclusive to the company's "Max" subscription tier, priced at $200 per month. The service operates on a credit-based system, with Max subscribers receiving a monthly allotment of tokens to be used for running workflows. This pricing and capability model positions it as a tool for power users and developers rather than a casual chatbot. The platform is seen as a direct competitor to open-source AI agents like OpenClaw, which gained significant traction in early 2026. Unlike OpenClaw, which runs locally on a user's machine, Perplexity Computer is a managed, cloud-based service, offering a trade-off between less direct control and increased safety and ease of use. Perplexity AI was founded in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, who have backgrounds at major AI labs like OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind. The San Francisco-based company has seen rapid growth in its valuation, reaching over $1 billion by April 2024 and a reported $20 billion by early 2026. Its investors include prominent figures and firms such as Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and IVP.
