Perplexity Labs launches AI agent platform for automated app and content creation
Perplexity introduces Labs, an AI-powered service that generates apps, dashboards, and creative content through automated workflows for Pro subscribers
Perplexity, the AI search company, has launched Perplexity Labs - a new service allowing Pro subscribers to generate interactive apps, data visualizations, and creative content through automated AI workflows. The platform represents the company's entry into the competitive AI agent space.
How Perplexity Labs Works
The service enables users to:
- Select from multiple commercial and open-source LLMs including GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Claude Haiku 3.5
- Combine these models with tools for automated browsing, code execution, and graphics creation
- Generate reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, and simple web apps through "self-supervised" work that may take 10+ minutes
According to Perplexity's blog post, Labs can "turn your ideas and to-do's into work that's been done" through its automated capabilities.
Differentiation from Competitors
While similar to AI agent offerings from Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, Perplexity positions Labs as:
- More focused on "rapid, project-based research and automation"
- Offering a more example-driven experience with its Project Gallery featuring ~20 sample projects
Showcase Project: Interactive WWII Map
One demonstration project creates an interactive map of the Pacific Theater during WWII, featuring:
- Zoom and scroll functionality
- Time-based slider (1941-1945)
- Full-screen version hosted on AWS
- Downloadable code assets
The project page includes tabs showing the development process:
- Tasks: Sequence of prompts used
- Assets: Generated code (Python, JavaScript, CSS, JSON)
- Sources: Reference materials
Additional Capabilities
Beyond technical projects, Labs can produce:
- Research reports and data visualizations
- Interactive dashboards
- Creative content like sci-fi scripts (described as "coherent but mediocre")
Availability
The service is currently offered under Perplexity's $20/month Pro plan, accessible via:
- Web interface
- iOS and Android apps
- Coming soon: Mac and Windows applications
This launch positions Perplexity as another contender in the growing AI agent market, competing with established players while emphasizing its research automation capabilities.
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About the Author
Alex Thompson
AI Technology Editor
Senior technology editor specializing in AI and machine learning content creation for 8 years. Former technical editor at AI Magazine, now provides technical documentation and content strategy services for multiple AI companies. Excels at transforming complex AI technical concepts into accessible content.