In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, revealed an exciting new feature that is set to enhance the user experience on Android devices. This upcoming functionality, reminiscent of Google’s Circle to Search, promises to bring a fresh approach to how users interact with the AI tool.
Innovative User Interaction
During a brief video demonstration, viewers witnessed a user engaging with Perplexity to discuss the greatest tennis players of all time. The interaction showcased a unique capability: when the user circled a bullet point about Roger Federer and inquired about his net worth, Perplexity seamlessly identified the individual, conducted an online search, and provided a prompt response.
While Srinivas did not specify a launch date for this feature, he assured users that it is “coming soon.” As of now, the feature remains unavailable in the app, although users can still utilize Google’s Circle to Search within Perplexity, albeit at the cost of exiting the app. Initial tests indicated that Google’s method yielded results more swiftly than Perplexity’s demonstration, which took approximately 12 seconds to deliver an answer. Nevertheless, both methods ultimately provided the same information.
Expanding Accessibility
This new feature is particularly noteworthy as it aims to extend the functionality of Circle to Search to a broader audience. Notably, Google’s original feature is not universally accessible across all Android devices, especially older models. By integrating a similar capability, Perplexity is poised to enhance its appeal among users who may not have access to Google’s offering.
Even for those who can use Google’s Circle to Search, Perplexity presents a compelling alternative. ZDNET’s Jack Wallen highlighted that Perplexity often delivers more accurate responses than its competitor, Gemini. It excels in problem-solving, source citation, and overall search engine performance. In personal trials, many users, including myself, found Perplexity to be a preferable choice as a default phone assistant.
If this new feature functions as effectively as Google’s version, it could further solidify Perplexity’s position in the market as a valuable tool for Android users seeking enhanced search capabilities.
