Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine vying to challenge Google, has launched a new productivity suite called Perplexity Labs. Unveiled on Thursday, the tool is available to subscribers of the company’s $20-per-month Pro plan and is designed to assist users in creating complex outputs such as reports, dashboards, spreadsheets, and interactive web applications. The service is accessible via the web and mobile platforms (iOS and Android), with desktop versions for Mac and Windows expected soon.
According to the company’s blog post, Perplexity Labs is intended to handle a wide range of personal and professional tasks by dedicating more time typically ten minutes or more and tapping into advanced features like file generation, data structuring, and mini-app development. This marks a significant move for Perplexity as it looks to expand its offerings beyond search functionality and establish a stronger presence in the productivity and enterprise AI sectors.
From Search Engine to Multi-Tool AI Assistant
The release of Labs comes on the same day as rival AI agent platform Manus introduced its own tool for generating slide decks. While both companies are exploring new frontiers in generative AI, Perplexity appears particularly focused on becoming a comprehensive work assistant. The Perplexity Labs feature enables users to conduct research, analyze data, generate code, and create visual content like charts and images. It leverages AI capabilities such as web browsing, code execution, and real-time data visualization to build usable outputs.
Files generated during the workflow are conveniently stored in a dedicated tab, where users can view or download them. This streamlined organization is aimed at improving user efficiency and project management. The tool can also write scripts to automate data handling tasks, apply formulas, and assist with document generation, effectively serving as a smart assistant for complex information work.
Perplexity is also exploring other expansions, including its upcoming web browser Comet and the recent acquisition of Read.vc, a social media platform for professionals. These moves point to an ambitious strategy to evolve from a niche search tool into a broader AI ecosystem.
Enterprise Focus and Growing Investor Interest
With the introduction of Labs, Perplexity is intensifying its push into corporate functionality. The company had already launched an enterprise plan last summer, offering features such as internal knowledge search and user management. These developments seem to align with investor expectations, as the startup is reportedly in talks to raise as much as $1 billion in funding at a valuation of $18 billion.
Although the potential of Perplexity Labs is promising, some skepticism remains about how reliably it performs in real-world use cases. Like all generative AI platforms, its results may vary depending on complexity and user input. Nevertheless, industry observers see the launch as a key step in Perplexity’s growth strategy moving it beyond being just a search tool and into the arena of AI-powered workplace solutions.
As AI tools continue to evolve rapidly, Perplexity’s investment in utility-focused innovations like Labs could help it gain ground in the increasingly competitive AI marketplace.
Read Also: Balancing AI-Powered Hiring Tools With Personal Touch in Recruitment
