Perplexity Labs lets users create reports and dashboards

Perplexity, the AI-driven search engine making waves as a potential rival to Google, has unveiled a powerful new tool for its Pro subscribers: Perplexity Labs. The tool, available now on the web, iOS, and Android (with Mac and Windows apps to follow), aims to move the platform beyond search and deeper into productivity.

Labs: A New AI Workspace for Power Users

Available to users on Perplexity’s $20-per-month Pro plan, Perplexity Labs is designed to tackle work and personal projects that demand more than quick AI responses. According to the company, Labs can dedicate 10 minutes or more per task, using advanced tools to craft comprehensive outputs such as reports, spreadsheets, dashboards, mini-apps, and interactive visualizations.

The feature set includes:

• Research and long-form analysis
• Code execution and data structuring
• Web search for real-time context
• Chart and image generation
• Document and file creation, downloadable from a unified tabbed interface

In essence, Labs transforms Perplexity from an AI Q&A engine into a flexible project assistant capable of creating full-fledged deliverables.

Competing in the Expanding AI Workspace

The launch coincides with growing competition in the AI agent space — just as Manus, a viral AI startup, released its own slide deck creation tool. Perplexity’s moves show a clear push to build out its ecosystem and appeal to business users and knowledge workers.

Recent expansions, such as its web browser Comet and the acquisition of Read.cv (a social media network for professionals), signal a broader vision to become a hub for productivity and discovery — not just search.

Enterprise and Growth Pressure

Last year, Perplexity rolled out an enterprise plan featuring user management and internal knowledge search, reinforcing its shift toward business use cases. This aligns with its reported efforts to raise up to $1 billion in capital at a staggering $18 billion valuation — a level of ambition that demands more than a strong search experience.

Verdict Pending

While the promise of Perplexity Labs is high — especially for those seeking to automate or simplify research-heavy tasks — the effectiveness of AI tools in real-world scenarios remains a mixed bag. Like all AI platforms, Labs will need to prove its consistency and value in daily workflows.

But one thing is clear: Perplexity is no longer just aiming to compete with search engines. With Labs, it wants to redefine how we work.