What's Perplexity AI and Will It Replace Google Search?

Perplexity AI is an AI-powered conversational search engine that utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) to deliver accurate, real-time answers by searching the web and compiling information from multiple sources. With over half a billion requests served and 10 million active monthly users as of early 2024, it offers a range of features including a Chrome extension and mobile apps, while also providing a freemium model with a "Pro" version priced at $20 per month for more advanced capabilities. Despite its popularity and innovative approach, Perplexity AI faces limitations such as potential hallucinations, plagiarism accusations, and limited multimodal understanding. Founded in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, the company has garnered significant investment, valuing it at over $1 billion. While it excels in providing precise, research-focused responses, it is not positioned to replace ChatGPT but rather complements it by integrating search engine functionalities with conversational AI capabilities.