News Overview
- Perplexity AI has launched a new voice assistant for iPhones that offers more comprehensive search capabilities than Siri.
- The assistant leverages Perplexity’s AI search engine to provide answers with sources, unlike Siri’s often limited and unverified responses.
- Installation involves creating a Siri Shortcut and granting access to the Perplexity app, allowing users to invoke the assistant through voice commands.
🔗 Original article link: Step aside, Siri: Perplexity’s new AI voice assistant for iPhone can take it from here
In-Depth Analysis
The core innovation lies in Perplexity AI’s integration with iOS via Siri Shortcuts. This workaround allows users to circumvent Siri’s inherent limitations and leverage the superior search capabilities of Perplexity’s AI.
- Integration via Siri Shortcuts: Instead of replacing Siri entirely, Perplexity’s assistant functions as a custom action triggered through voice commands. Users must create a Siri Shortcut, linking a chosen phrase (e.g., “Ask Perplexity”) to the Perplexity app.
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: Perplexity’s AI excels at providing comprehensive answers derived from multiple sources. It cites these sources directly, improving transparency and allowing users to verify information. This contrasts sharply with Siri’s often simplistic and unsourced responses.
- Installation Process: Setting up the assistant requires downloading the Perplexity app and then configuring the Siri Shortcut. This involves granting permissions to the app to access the microphone and use Siri.
- Limitations: The solution is essentially a workaround. It’s not as seamless as a native voice assistant and relies on the stability and functionality of Siri Shortcuts. Performance may also be affected by network connectivity and the computational demands of the Perplexity AI search engine.
Commentary
Perplexity AI’s voice assistant is a clever solution that addresses the growing frustration with Siri’s limited capabilities. By leveraging Siri Shortcuts, they’ve created a pathway for users to access a more advanced AI search experience on their iPhones.
- Market Impact: This move could potentially disrupt the voice assistant market by offering a viable alternative to Siri for information retrieval. However, the success depends on user adoption and whether Apple will eventually integrate similar AI search capabilities directly into Siri.
- Competitive Positioning: Perplexity is positioning itself as a provider of reliable and comprehensive AI-powered search. By focusing on transparency and sourcing information, they aim to build trust with users who are increasingly wary of misinformation.
- Strategic Considerations: Apple could see this as a challenge and improve Siri. Alternatively, they may see the utility and acquire Perplexity or incorporate some of their technology. Perplexity needs to focus on user experience and ease of use to gain traction.