Perplexity’s AI search engine goes deep to get your answers

Perplexity is an AI conversational search engine that usually finds information online or from a specified database and engages with one user at a time. Now, it’s shaking things up with two exciting new features designed to enhance its answers and improve how it collaborates with users. These features, called Internal Knowledge Search and Spaces, offer fresh perspectives on how AI can assist us, both in work settings and in our everyday lives.

Perplexity was one of the pioneers in combining a search engine like Google with a chat interface similar to ChatGPT. It got ahead of both Google and OpenAI by integrating real-time web searches with a conversational style that mimics how people naturally communicate. Until now, searching online meant either sifting through web pages or relying solely on a database. The Internal Knowledge Search feature merges these approaches, allowing users to conduct simultaneous searches across both the internet and internal company data from one comprehensive source.

This tool is especially useful for professionals who need to blend their organization’s internal knowledge with the latest online information. But its benefits extend beyond the workplace. Picture a student who has compiled a bunch of notes from various primary sources that aren’t available online. Or someone who has an obscure hobby and has spent years building a personal encyclopedia, but struggles to find reliable online documentation about it. With Perplexity, you can tap into both your internal resources and online content at once, saving you a significant amount of time and effort.

Introducing Internal Knowledge Search & Spaces

Check out the YouTube introduction for more!

A Space to Collaborate and Create

The Spaces feature takes a different approach by creating a virtual workspace for collaborating not only with the AI but also with other people. You can invite anyone you want to your Space, share files, and give specific instructions to customize the AI assistant for any project you’re working on.

While Perplexity has geared much of its messaging around business use and tasks associated with it, the Spaces feature has plenty to offer for personal projects as well. For example, a group of students could use a Space to keep track of their various responsibilities and brainstorm ideas with the help of the AI. Or maybe you and your friends are planning the ultimate vacation and want a friendly, human-like interface to help gather all the online information you need to make it happen.

While there might still be some sponsored follow-up questions from the AI, these new features seem perfect for diving into research for both personal and professional projects. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with colleagues or brainstorm ideas for a fun getaway, Perplexity’s new tools can help you streamline your search and enhance your creativity.