I am an Android consumer and have been since model 1.5 of the OS. Over the previous 12 months or so, Google has switched its default assistant to its highly effective AI answer, Gemini. For some time, I used Gemini on Android to get solutions to my questions. I even made use of Gemini Stay (which is sort of spectacular).
However not too long ago, I have been defaulting to a special AI service, Perplexity. I’ve put in the Perplexity app on Android, Linux, and MacOS, and set it because the default search engine in my net browser. Though I favor utilizing native AI (such because the Ollama/Msty mixture), there are occasions once I want extra or one thing quicker than a neighborhood AI can ship. On prime of that, my regionally put in AI would not have entry to real-time knowledge, so it may’t inform me what’s within the information at present.
However why Perplexity over Gemini?
For starters, you’ll be able to’t swap from Gemini to Perplexity because the Android default digital assistant, and I doubt that may ever be doable. You’ll be able to, nonetheless, use Perplexity in your cellphone, desktop, and laptop computer because the default AI instrument.
Let me clarify why you would possibly wish to do this.
1. AI as search engine
For me, that is the largest cause to modify to Perplexity. I have been utilizing AI as a search engine for a while now. Why? The principle cause is I discover Google far much less efficient than it as soon as was. Once I’m doing analysis, I would like solutions quick and would somewhat not should wade by way of sponsored websites or websites that include so many adverts that they render my browser unusable.
One factor about Gemini is which you can definitely head to the Gemini web site and use it, however you’ll be able to’t set it because the default search engine in your net browser. Alternatively, you are able to do this with Perplexity, and that, for me, is a deal-maker.
2. Higher, extra correct responses
After evaluating each Gemini and Perplexity for a number of weeks, I’ve discovered Perplexity not solely provides higher solutions (with extra description and context) however the solutions are additionally extra correct. I’ve discovered Gemini to provide delicate inaccuracies pretty commonly, however I’ve but to search out fault in a Perplexity response. That is to not say they are not there, however they’ve not been almost as apparent as what I typically discovered with Gemini. I am not saying that Gemini is all the time or usually flawed, however within the comparability, Gemini delivered much less correct responses general. On prime of all this, the response element in Perplexity is way increased than Gemini.
3. Higher downside fixing
One subject I’ve had with Gemini is that while you ask it that can assist you remedy one thing, it tends to reply with easy bullet factors. Sure, such lists make the responses straightforward to learn, however they lack the depth of data I require. That is simply me. Most individuals favor fast bullet factors to allow them to rapidly scan them and be on their manner. I would like context. I wish to know why a step is taken as a substitute of simply the step.
4. Observe up
Considered one of my favourite options of Perplexity is the “Ask follow-up” choice. I can ask it a query, and as soon as it provides me a solution, I can sort a follow-up query to proceed the dialogue. This function makes it very straightforward to dig deeper and deeper right into a topic. These rabbit holes have usually led me to some actually fascinating data.
This was made particularly apparent once I was doing analysis for my newest novel. I requested about escape velocity, and it talked about the velocity of sunshine. I then requested a follow-up query concerning the velocity of sunshine that wound up inspiring an necessary plot level. You may spend hours diving deeper and deeper right into a topic with Perplexity.
5. References
Each AI instruments add references to responses. The largest distinction is that Perplexity lists these sources on the prime of their responses and, typically talking, presents significantly extra sources than Gemini. Gemini lists sources after the response is full, and almost each time, it did not checklist as many sources as Perplexity.
The opposite good factor about Perplexity is that it cites the sources in line. Hover over a quotation, and a pop-up seems with the supply hyperlink and a quick part of the textual content used. Gemini does this with small drop-downs for citations, however while you click on the drop-down, you solely get the supply hyperlink and never the snippet.
The one caveat to utilizing Perplexity over Gemini is that Gemini’s integration with different providers is in depth, whereas Perplexity’s is proscribed. Even with that knock in opposition to Perplexity, I’ll proceed to make use of it over Gemini… even on Android.
