Overview
The transcript highlights several advanced and lesser-known features of Perplexity, an AI research tool, and offers actionable tips for users seeking more efficient search, research, and content creation workflows.
Perplexity Basics and Accuracy
- Perplexity searches the web, summarizes top sources, and provides direct answers with citations.
- It typically outperforms other AI chat tools like ChatGPT, especially for up-to-date, search-based queries.
Focus Mode
- Focus mode lets users specify the type of sources Perplexity uses (e.g., academic, social, news).
- Academic focus pulls from sources like PubMed and Semantic Scholar, suitable for research and medical queries.
- Social focus draws from platforms like Reddit, ideal for user experiences and reviews.
Spaces and Custom Instructions
- Spaces organize multiple threads under one topic, similar to folders.
- Users can assign custom instructions to each space to guide how Perplexity responds in those threads.
- File uploads in a space are referenced for every new thread, streamlining repeated research.
Deep Research Mode
- Deep research generates comprehensive, structured reports, including overviews, key stages, limitations, and sourced citations.
- This feature is especially useful for complex topics needing more than a short summary.
- Research tasks may take up to 30 minutes depending on complexity.
Pages Feature
- Threads or deep research outputs can be converted into clean, shareable web pages with formatted sections and citations.
- Users can add images, edit content, and publish or share these pages easily.
- Pages can also be created from scratch, not just existing conversations.
File Uploads and Document Querying
- Users can upload documents (e.g., PDFs) and ask Perplexity questions directly about their contents.
- Citations link directly to uploaded documents for ease of verification.
- The context remains persistent, allowing follow-up questions without re-uploading.
Additional Features (Bonus Round)
- Incognito mode enables anonymous threads that auto-expire after 24 hours.
- Model switching allows users to select different AI models for varied needs or second opinions.
- ProSearch provides deeper, more nuanced answers and is limited on the free plan.
- The free plan includes three file uploads or one deep research task daily, with higher limits for paid plans.
- All features are available on the Perplexity mobile app.
Resources and Learning
- A free, actionable PDF guide on leveraging Perplexity's features is available via the provided link.
- Additional learning resources and AI courses are offered through Futurepedia, including a 7-day free trial.