Perplexity AI Launches 'Labs,' Transforms Into Project Builder To Rival ChatGPT

Perplexity AI, known for its conversational "answer engine" that provides direct, sourced responses to user queries, has introduced a new feature called Perplexity Labs. This addition, currently available to its Pro subscribers, allows users to tackle complex projects such as generating reports, tables, dashboards, and even basic web applications.[1][2] The move is widely seen as an expansion of Perplexity's capabilities beyond its core search-and-answer functionality, positioning it more directly in competition with multifaceted AI platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT.[2][3]

Perplexity Labs is designed as a productivity tool that can manage intricate tasks by leveraging deep web browsing, code execution, and the creation of charts and images.[1][2] Unlike the standard Perplexity search, which focuses on answering specific questions, or its "Research" mode (formerly "Deep Research") that generates comprehensive analyses, Labs aims to create complete projects with multiple components.[1] Users can monitor progress, skip tasks, or provide new instructions throughout the project's development, ensuring the final output aligns with their objectives.[1] All files generated during a Labs workflow, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript assets, documents, spreadsheets, and images, are organized in an "Assets" tab for easy viewing and download.[1] Pro subscribers receive 50 Labs queries per month as part of their subscription.[1] The company highlights that Labs can accomplish in minutes what might have previously taken days of work and research.[2]

The introduction of Perplexity Labs invites immediate comparisons to the evolving capabilities of ChatGPT. While Perplexity has traditionally emphasized its strength in providing accurate, citation-backed answers to informational queries[4][5][6], ChatGPT has excelled as a versatile conversational tool capable of a wide array of tasks, including content generation, creative writing, coding assistance, and data analysis.[4][7] Labs, with its ability to generate various project components and even simple web applications[1][2], mirrors some of the advanced functionalities seen in ChatGPT, particularly those offered through features like Code Interpreter (now Advanced Data Analysis) and custom GPTs. Perplexity itself states that using Labs is like having a "team" to bring an entire idea to life, contrasting it with the "answer machine" experience of its standard search.[2] This suggests a broadening of Perplexity's ambitions from solely an information retrieval tool to a more comprehensive creation and productivity engine. However, Perplexity's core identity has been its focus on factual accuracy and sourced information, a trait it emphasizes continues with Labs.[2][4]

This strategic expansion with Labs could be driven by several factors. It allows Perplexity to offer more value to its Pro subscribers, potentially increasing subscription revenue, which is a key part of its business model.[8][9] The company, which has seen significant growth in user base and valuation[10][11][12][13], may also be looking to diversify its offerings and compete more broadly in the rapidly evolving AI assistant market.[14][15][16] By adding capabilities that overlap with generative AI platforms, Perplexity is stepping further into a domain largely defined by OpenAI and other major players.[13] The move could also be a response to investor expectations for continued growth and market penetration.[3] Perplexity has been actively raising capital and expanding its reach, including reported plans to launch its own web browser called Comet and partnerships with device manufacturers like Motorola.[16][17][18]

The launch of Perplexity Labs has significant implications for the AI industry. It signals a potential trend where AI-powered search or "answer engines" are evolving into more holistic AI assistants capable of not just finding information but also creating, analyzing, and executing tasks. This blurs the lines between different categories of AI tools and intensifies competition. As Perplexity adds more generative and project-oriented features, it will increasingly vie for users who might otherwise turn to ChatGPT or similar platforms for such tasks.[4][6] This development also underscores the increasing importance of offering users a suite of powerful tools accessible through a single interface. The ability to seamlessly move from information discovery to content creation and project execution within one platform could become a key differentiator in the market. It also raises questions about how traditional search engines like Google, which are also integrating more generative AI features into their search experience, will continue to adapt to this changing landscape.[19][8][16]

In conclusion, Perplexity's introduction of Labs for Pro users marks a notable evolution for the company. While founded on the principle of providing accurate, sourced answers, Perplexity is now venturing into territory that involves more complex project creation and task execution, capabilities reminiscent of platforms like ChatGPT.[1][2] This strategic pivot aims to enhance its value proposition for paid users and broaden its appeal in an increasingly competitive AI market.[2][3] The success of Labs and Perplexity's ability to integrate these new functionalities while maintaining its commitment to accuracy and citation will be crucial in determining its future trajectory and its impact on the broader AI industry, where the distinction between search engines and generative AI assistants is becoming increasingly fluid.