Perplexity’s New Android Assistant: What You Need to Know

· 4 min read

Another week, another leap forward in the AI space! This time it’s Perplexity making waves with their brand-new AI Assistant for Android. If you’re wondering what it does, why it matters, and how it compares to what’s already out there, let’s break it down in a straightforward way.

What Is Perplexity’s Android Assistant?

Perplexity has taken its AI capabilities and wrapped them into a handy new assistant designed specifically for Android devices. It’s not just about answering questions—it’s about getting things done. Whether you’re managing tasks, exploring content on your phone, or integrating with apps you already use, this assistant is built to make life simpler.

The big difference? Versatility. This isn’t just a chatbot—it’s a multimodal assistant that works with text, voice, and even your phone’s camera to help you out with practical, everyday tasks.

What Can It Do?

Here’s a quick rundown of what the new Android Assistant brings to the table:

  1. Handle Your Tasks
    Need to write an email, set a reminder, or book a dinner reservation? The assistant can handle all that with simple voice or text commands.

  2. Interact Multimodally

    • Voice & Text: You can speak or type your requests, whichever suits you.
    • Camera Integration: Have something in front of you that you’re curious about? Snap a picture or show the camera, and the assistant can help identify or interpret it.

  3. App Integration
    It supports popular apps like Spotify, YouTube, and Uber, along with email, calendars, reminders, and messaging. Want to call an Uber or start a specific playlist on Spotify? Just ask.

  4. Language Options
    It supports multiple languages—15 so far—making it more accessible to a global audience.

How Does It Work?

To start using the Perplexity Assistant, you’ll need to:

  1. Download it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Replace your default phone assistant.
    You do this through your phone’s settings—just choose Perplexity as your new assistant.
  3. Give it a go!
    Start issuing commands, taking photos, or speaking to it. The idea is to make your daily tasks quicker and easier.

Note: If you’re an iPhone user, there’s no official release yet. Perplexity is reportedly waiting on Apple’s permissions, so for now, it’s an Android-only affair.

Why Is This Different?

You might be asking: How does this compare to Google Assistant or Alexa?

  • Multimodal Capabilities: The camera integration is a standout feature, letting you ask questions about what you’re seeing in real time.
  • App-First Approach: While other assistants focus on their own ecosystems, Perplexity aims to work smoothly with a wide range of third-party apps.
  • AI at the Core: Rather than being purely voice-activated, the assistant is powered by advanced AI reasoning, which can make its responses feel more personalised and context-aware.

Why Does It Matter?

This move from Perplexity is significant for a couple of reasons:

  1. A Step Toward the ‘Agentic World’
    We’re moving closer to a future where AI actively helps us navigate daily tasks rather than just passively answering questions.

  2. Competition Heats Up
    Companies like Google and Amazon have held the lion’s share of the assistant market. Perplexity’s entry challenges them to innovate faster.

  3. More Access
    By focusing on Android devices, Perplexity is making advanced AI features available to a large user base—and potentially pushing everyone else to step up their game.

The Future of AI Assistants

We’re at the start of what could be a major shift in how we interact with our devices. Assistants like this are the first step towards a future where AI is truly embedded in our daily lives—thinking ahead, simplifying tasks, and freeing us up to do more of what we love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an Android user, it’s definitely worth giving Perplexity’s new assistant a try. Whether it’s the camera integration, the way it handles tasks, or just the fun of trying something fresh, there’s plenty here to explore.

What do you think? Is this the kind of assistant you’ve been waiting for? We’d love to hear how you see it fitting into your day-to-day life!