Perplexity Unveils 'Computer': An AI Tool That Actually Does Your Work
Perplexity has officially launched a groundbreaking new AI tool named Computer, which represents a significant leap beyond traditional question-answering systems. This innovative tool is designed to autonomously execute complex, multi-step tasks, functioning as a true digital worker that can operate for extended periods—from hours to even months—in the background without constant user supervision.
How Perplexity Computer Transforms Task Execution
Available exclusively to Perplexity Max subscribers at a monthly cost of $200, Computer redefines productivity by handling intricate assignments independently. Instead of merely assisting with simple queries like drafting an email, users can command Computer to undertake comprehensive projects. For instance, you might instruct it to "research our top five competitors, compare their pricing structures, build a detailed slide deck, and email the final presentation to the team." The tool then intelligently breaks down these instructions into manageable subtasks, assigns each to the most suitable AI model from its extensive arsenal, and delivers a polished final product—all without requiring continuous oversight.
The Multi-Model Architecture Behind Computer
The most distinctive feature of Perplexity Computer is its sophisticated multi-model approach. Unlike conventional AI systems that rely on a single model, Computer orchestrates 19 different AI models on the backend to optimize performance across various functions. This ensemble includes Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.6 for core reasoning and coding tasks, Google's Gemini for in-depth research, Nano Banana for image generation, Veo 3.1 for video processing, xAI's Grok for quick lightweight operations, and OpenAI's ChatGPT 5.2 for long-context recall and broad web searches.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas explained this strategy to Fortune, stating, "When you build a team, you don't build a homogenous group where everyone has the same skills. The orchestration is the product. The model is a tool." This model-agnostic design ensures flexibility, allowing Perplexity to seamlessly integrate newer, superior models as they emerge. Additionally, users retain the option to manually assign specific models to particular subtasks for greater control.
Cloud-First Design for Enhanced Security
Perplexity Computer operates entirely in the cloud, distinguishing it from local-access agents like OpenClaw, which run directly on users' machines. Every task is executed within an isolated sandbox environment equipped with a real filesystem, browser capabilities, and tool integrations, but without accessing personal devices. Srinivas has emphasized the security rationale behind this approach, comparing local agents to malware and citing incidents where users lost control over agent activities on their machines. The cloud-based framework is engineered to contain any errors or security breaches within the sandbox, safeguarding users' primary networks.
Capabilities and Integration of Perplexity Computer
Computer boasts extensive connectivity with popular tools and platforms, including Gmail, Outlook, GitHub, Slack, Notion, and Salesforce. It can monitor emails, calendars, and files using condition-based triggers, execute scheduled jobs, and manage proactive tasks such as morning briefings or deadline reminders. Perplexity Max subscribers receive 10,000 credits per month, with a limited-time bonus of an additional 20,000 credits, while regular Perplexity searches remain unlimited. If credits are depleted during a task, work pauses rather than cancels, resuming once credits are replenished.
Availability and Future Rollout Plans
Currently, Perplexity Computer is accessible only via web desktop for Max subscribers. However, Perplexity has announced plans for a broader rollout to Pro and Enterprise users in the coming weeks, indicating a strategic expansion of this advanced AI tool across different user tiers.
