Perplexity will research and write reports
Perplexity is introducing a new feature called Pages, which allows users to input a potential topic into a prompt box, and the platform's model will handle the research, writing, and creation of a report. This feature serves as a convenient tool for generating customizable webpages based on user prompts. It functions as a comprehensive solution for compiling school reports, as Perplexity takes charge of the research and writing processes.
The Functionality of Pages
Pages leverages Perplexity's AI search models to gather information and subsequently craft a research presentation that can be shared with others. The platform has designed Pages with the intention of assisting educators, researchers, and individuals with a passion for sharing knowledge. Users can specify the topic of their report or their information needs in the prompt box and tailor the writing style to suit different audiences, be it beginners, experts, or a general readership.
Perplexity conducts information searches and organizes the content into sections, complete with citations and visuals. Users have the flexibility to adjust the level of detail on the page and customize the images used. While users cannot directly edit the generated text, they can submit new prompts to address any inaccuracies.
Exploring the Capabilities of Pages
In a trial run of Pages, it became evident that the feature is not specifically tailored for individuals who already possess platforms for sharing knowledge. However, it also does not seem to cater exclusively to researchers or educators. The effectiveness of Pages in simplifying complex topics and facilitating the communication of dense information to diverse audiences was put to the test by requesting a report on the "convergence of quantum computing and artificial intelligence and its impact on society" across different audience types.
Pages sourced information from various platforms, including introductory blog posts and Wikipedia, while tailoring the content to suit the specified audience. Although the generated report provided a basic overview of quantum computing and AI, it lacked the depth that could be achieved through manual presentation creation.
Furthermore, when tasked with generating a report about the user conducting the trial, Pages primarily drew information from personal websites and online articles, occasionally veering off-topic. While Pages streamlines the process of gathering and compiling information, it falls short of genuine research.
The Potential of Pages
Perplexity asserts that Pages will enable educators to develop comprehensive study guides and assist researchers in creating detailed reports. However, limitations such as the inability to summarize uploaded research papers or edit generated text may hinder users seeking to maximize the tool's potential. Despite its current shortcomings, Pages may appeal to students seeking quick solutions for assignments.
Pages will be gradually rolled out to all Perplexity users, including those on free, Pro, and Enterprise plans. As the feature evolves, there is potential for enhancements that could elevate its utility in providing accessible and informative content.
