Perplexity today launched a new Mac app supporting its hybrid local-cloud AI agent PC, and expanded PC access to Pro and Enterprise users, so it is no longer limited to just Max subscribers. Perplexity describes Personal Computer as a “personal orchestrator” that hybridizes local and server environments for greater security and productivity.
The personal computer is available in the new Mac application, which Perplexity says allows users to access queries, conversations and dictation. Although all Mac users can download the new app, personal computer access still requires a paid subscription.
The personal computer can access the Mac’s file system and native Mac applications to create and run complete workflows, and it can also access the Web. It can see active applications and run on any Mac application, but files are created in a secure sandbox and its actions are verifiable and reversible.
When paired with the Comet Browser, the personal computer can run web tools without the need for direct connectors.
Pressing both command keys on a Mac activates the personal computer, responds to text or voice commands, and automatically displays useful quick actions. The personal computer can perform tasks such as completing each task on a to-do list, sorting a messy download folder, comparing local files with information on the web, and much more.
Although it has native access to what’s on a user’s Mac, the personal computer processes intense tasks on Perplexity’s servers, so a high-performance Mac is not required to run it. The home computer runs on any Mac with macOS 14 Sonoma or later, although Perplexity says running a home computer on a Mac mini creates the best experience because it allows the agent to run continuously.
Perplexity’s legacy Mac app will be deprecated in the coming weeks.