What was initially anticipated as an upgrade for Siri has instead transformed into a vibrant rebranding, enabling the new AI voice assistant from Perplexity to delegate challenging questions to ChatGPT, reminiscent of a laid-back colleague. While the evolution of a smart Siri still feels distant, Perplexity’s innovative voice assistant arrives to alleviate the disappointment Apple has left in its wake.
Perplexity recently announced via their official X account that their AI voice assistant is now accessible on iPhones and iPads. Having been available on Android since January, its iOS launch was contingent upon receiving the necessary permissions from Apple. With the green light from the tech giant in Cupertino, it’s clear that Perplexity is set to make Siri green with envy.
Experiencing Perplexity’s AI Voice Assistant: A Hands-On Review
As someone who has tried various voice assistants like Gemini Live, GPT Voice, and Copilot, my first trial with Perplexity has been intriguing. Upon learning the news, I promptly installed the app on my iPhone 16e, registered, and began interacting with their assistant.
I started with basic tasks, such as drafting an email and handling common queries, which it managed flawlessly. Next, I dove into more assistant-like interactions, asking it to play the popular song featuring Taylor Swift and ZAYN. Perplexity instantly recognized my request and sought permission to open Apple Music.
This functionality piqued my interest. I proceeded to ask Perplexity to set a reminder, and it seamlessly added one to the Reminders app. When I requested to send an email, the assistant appropriately asked for Contacts permission to facilitate sending directly, echoing Siri’s capabilities.
Perplexity’s capabilities extend beyond the basics. For instance, if you’re like many Apple users who turn to Siri for local restaurant inquiries, Perplexity can assist just as easily and even help book a reservation using OpenTable. While you will need to finalize the booking yourself, the assistant conveniently populates the necessary details. Plus, it can help you arrange transportation to the eatery via Uber.
Furthermore, you can access the voice assistant from anywhere on your iPhone, as it continues to listen for your commands even when you exit the app. I also found it helpful to add the Perplexity widget to my home screen, allowing me quick access without needing to launch the app.
The Verdict: Is Perplexity the Future Over Siri?
After using Perplexity, I found it challenging to revert to Siri. However, there are some limitations with Perplexity. For instance, it does not interact with all system apps. Therefore, if you ask it to set an alarm, you’ll have to follow along with Perplexity as it guides you to open the Clock app and set it manually.
This limitation feels particularly stark compared to its Android version, which can place calls, send messages, and read screen content. Moreover, I experienced delays in connecting to the internet, with several instances requiring me to try again to establish a network connection. Additionally, despite granting Contacts permission, it struggled to access my phone contacts.
Given these drawbacks, I can’t fully transition to Perplexity as my main Siri alternative, despite my enthusiasm. On the upside, it doesn’t require the latest iPhone model to function effectively. It works just as well on my iPhone 13. Therefore, while Apple addresses its issues, I will continue to use Perplexity alongside Siri as my secondary AI voice assistant.
FAQ About Perplexity’s AI Voice Assistant
What is Perplexity’s AI Voice Assistant?
Perplexity’s AI Voice Assistant is a new tool designed to help users get answers, perform tasks, and manage their daily activities more efficiently compared to traditional assistants like Siri.
How does Perplexity compare to Siri?
While both assistants offer similar functionality, Perplexity can access certain apps, manage tasks like setting reminders, and assist with reservations, making it more versatile in some aspects.
Is Perplexity available on all devices?
Perplexity is available on both iOS and Android devices, ensuring a wide range of users can access its features.
Can Perplexity help with making restaurant reservations?
Yes, Perplexity can assist in finding local restaurants and can help fill out the reservation details through OpenTable, making the process simpler for users.
Does Perplexity work offline?
No, Perplexity requires an internet connection to function effectively and may experience delays if the connection is unstable.