Key Takeaways
- AI search engine Perplexity is now available as an assistant within WhatsApp.
- Users can start a chat with Perplexity using a specific phone number or a direct link.
- The assistant can answer questions, cite sources, and generate images.
- Early tests suggest it can be slow and has some bugs, especially with image generation.
- More features are expected to be added in the future.
WhatsApp users have another AI assistant option available directly within their chats. Perplexity, known for its AI-powered search capabilities, has now integrated with the popular messaging platform.
This news came via an announcement from Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas. He shared that users can now interact with the AI assistant right inside WhatsApp.
To get started, you simply need to begin a new chat with the phone number +1 (833) 436-3285. Alternatively, a direct shortlink is available to launch the chat with Perplexity instantly.
The assistant currently handles tasks like answering queries, providing source citations for its answers, and even generating images based on text prompts. The CEO mentioned that more features are planned for release soon.
However, initial testing reported by Beebom suggests the service might be slow at times. They also noted some inconsistencies, particularly with image generation requests and understanding conversational cues about images.
Sometimes it reportedly refused to create images or misinterpreted requests about analysing existing pictures. Despite these early quirks, it’s expected that these issues will be addressed as the service develops further.
Perplexity joins other AI tools, like Meta’s own AI and integrations for services like ChatGPT, aiming to make AI assistance readily accessible within the WhatsApp environment.
