Understanding Perplexity

Introduction

• Purpose: Teach about perplexity and its applications in research, coding, and writing.
• Structure: Starts with basics (settings and pricing), advances to prompting techniques.

Basics of Perplexity

• Interface: Includes a Pro toggle for accessing Pro features.
• Perplexity Pro Features:
  • Unlimited searches and file uploads (PDFs, CSVs, images).
  • Latest AI models (Claude and ChatGPT).
  • API credits for use as API is charged per use.
  • Costs $20/month, cost-effective compared to individual AI tool usage.
  • Settings: System theme, language, avatar, username, data retention, subscription management, AI model selection.
  • Flux 1 integration for cutting-edge AI image generation.

Using Perplexity

• Search and Prompting:
  • Similar to early Google searches, but more advanced.
  • Modalities: Web, Academic, Math, Writing, Video, Social.

Modalities Explained

• Web: General web searches.
• Academic: Access to academic papers, scholarly articles.
• Math: Solving equations, performing calculations.
• Writing: Focused on prose and content creation.
• Video: Searching and transcribing video content.
• Social: Looks at social media platforms for public opinions.

Advanced Prompting Techniques

• Task Splitting:
  • Break down tasks into steps for structured searches.
  • Example: Research, rank markets, select products, critique response, give final recommendations.

Coding with Perplexity

• Capabilities:
  • Utilizes Claude Sonnet 3.5 model.
  • Supports creating websites with code snippets (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
  • Provides step-by-step instructions for coding tasks.
  • Enhancements through research and implementation suggestions.

News and Library Features

• Discover Page: Curated news and stories, user-generated content.
• Library Tab: Organize threads, create shareable collections.

Community and Learning

• AI Foundations Community:
  • Collaborative learning environment for AI enthusiasts.
  • Provides networking opportunities and advanced AI courses.

Conclusion

• Favorite Feature: Automated research and search query generation.
• Call to Action: Engage with the community and share personal favorite features of Perplexity.