Perplexity Launches AI 'Computer'
AI search company Perplexity has launched 'Computer,' a multi-model AI system designed to autonomously create and execute entire workflows. The tool aims to boost productivity by automating complex tasks for knowledge workers and businesses.
Dubbed a "digital worker," Perplexity Computer operates by breaking down a user's goal into smaller tasks. It then assigns these sub-tasks to a network of 19 specialized AI models, selecting the best one for each specific job, such as research, coding, or image generation. This multi-model orchestration is designed to leverage the unique strengths of various AI systems. The system's core reasoning engine is Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6, which manages the workflow. For deep research tasks, it utilizes Google's Gemini, while other models like Grok and ChatGPT 5.2 are employed for different functions like lightweight tasks or long-context recall. Each task is executed within a secure, isolated cloud environment that has access to a browser and filesystem. This launch signals a broader industry trend away from single-prompt chatbots toward autonomous "agentic" AI systems capable of managing complex, long-running projects with minimal human oversight. The tool is seen as a more secure and reliable alternative to open-source agents like OpenClaw, which gained popularity for its ability to operate a computer but faced reliability issues. Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity AI has seen its valuation grow rapidly. As of June 2025, the company had raised significant funding, pushing its valuation to a reported $14 billion. Investors include prominent names like Jeff Bezos and Nvidia. Initially, Perplexity Computer is available exclusively to Perplexity Max subscribers at a cost of $200 per month. The pricing is credit-based, and the company has indicated that the usage-based model is what they consider the right approach for AI, as opposed to an ad-supported one.
