perplexity.ai
Perplexity.ai is an AI-powered platform that focuses on providing highly accurate and informative search results. What sets Perplexity apart from traditional search engines is its ability to synthesize and generate responses based on a deeper understanding of natural language, rather than merely pulling together a list of search results or links.
One of the defining features of Perplexity.ai is its use of cutting-edge language models to answer queries in a conversational and direct manner. When you search for something, instead of showing you a list of results from various sources, the platform generates a single, coherent answer that draws upon multiple sources, effectively summarizing the information. This helps save time, as users don't need to sift through multiple websites to find what they need. Additionally, the AI provides citations directly within the answer, allowing users to verify the source of the information.
Perplexity's unique approach is based on its deep integration of large language models (LLMs), which allow it to understand context, nuances, and subtle meanings within queries. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with complex or ambiguous questions, where traditional search engines might struggle to deliver a satisfying response.
Another interesting aspect of Perplexity is its interactive nature. Unlike static search results, the platform supports follow-up questions and more refined searches, providing a dynamic experience. This makes the platform not just a search tool but a conversational assistant, offering users the ability to engage in deeper exploration of a topic with minimal effort.
Finally, Perplexity.ai distinguishes itself through its focus on factual correctness and transparency. It strives to provide trustworthy, evidence-backed answers by relying on credible sources. This emphasis on reliability sets it apart from many other AI search platforms, creating a unique blend of efficiency, accuracy, and user engagement.
How Perplexity Works
Perplexity AI works through a multi-step process to answer user queries. The following process allows Perplexity to provide detailed, accurate responses while maintaining strict service-level agreements for user interactivity and cost efficiency.
User Input: The user submits a query or prompt through Perplexity's interface4.
Query Analysis: Smaller classifier models determine the user's intent and route the query to the appropriate AI model.
Model Selection: Perplexity serves over 20 AI models simultaneously, including variations of Llama 3.1 (8B, 70B, and 405B). The system selects the most suitable model based on the query type.
GPU Processing: The chosen model is deployed on GPU pods, each consisting of one or more NVIDIA H100 GPUs managed by NVIDIA Triton Inference Server.
Parallel Processing: For complex models, Perplexity uses tensor parallelism across multiple GPUs to optimize performance and reduce latency.
Information Retrieval: The AI searches its knowledge base and the internet for relevant information.
Answer Generation: The model processes the information and generates a response, aiming to provide accurate and comprehensive answers.
Hallucination Reduction: Perplexity uses advanced models like Claude 3 to minimize inaccuracies in the generated responses.
Human Annotation: For additional accuracy, human annotators may review and refine the AI-generated answers.
Response Delivery: The final answer is presented to the user, often including both written content and relevant visual elements like videos.
Follow-up: The system may suggest follow-up questions to help users refine their queries and obtain more specific information.