Perplexity Launches Personal Computer for Mac, Turning a Mac mini Into an Always-On AI Agent

[tritian]

I don't think people realize the ramifications of (mostly) unchecked AI usage. We will all find out soon enough, but I do not believe it's going to be good.

As with everything else, it is all going to end up in in how to serve us more ads.

 

[ChromeAce]

I’m going to use this to scan MacRumors posts and add replies based on what the AI thinks I would say.

 

[Greenmeenie]

The more a.i. becomes popular, the more i embrace things that are analog.

 

[lbmdk1]

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[iDento]

Can it play video games for me? I’ve always wanted that Bloodbourne platinum.

 

[Patroclus]

Perplexity today launched Personal Computer, an expansion of Perplexity Computer that integrates with local files and apps on a Mac. Personal Computer was announced in March and was available on a waitlist basis, but it is officially rolling out today for Max subscribers.

Perplexity Computer came out earlier this year, and it's an all-in-one "digital worker" able to create and execute entire workflows. With today's upgrade, it can run directly on a Mac with access to the file system and native apps. Pressing both Command keys on a Mac will activate Personal Computer, and it responds to text or voice commands. Personal Computer can work across any Mac app, and it can see active apps and display quick actions automatically.

Perplexity says Personal Computer can run on any Mac with macOS 14 Sonoma or later, but the company recommends a Mac mini. With a Mac mini, Personal Computer can run 24/7 for work that requires a persistent machine or secure local access to files and native apps. Tasks can be initiated and managed from an iPhone on the go.

Personal Computer can do things like complete each task on a to-do list, sort a messy downloads folder, compare local files against information on the web, and more. It can create teams of agents across over 20 frontier models to complete tasks. Personal Computer's actions are visible, so users can step in when needed. Files are created in a secure sandbox, the actions that Personal Computer takes are auditable and reversible, and there is a kill switch.

Personal Computer for Mac is rolling out to Perplexity Max subscribers starting today, with Perplexity prioritizing waitlist members. Perplexity Max is priced at $200 per month, and the new feature is not available to $20/month Pro plan subscribers.

Article Link: Perplexity Launches Personal Computer for Mac, Turning a Mac mini Into an Always-On AI Agent

Sounds like a great way to have an AI hallucinate and delete your files.

AI always ask you to confirm these type of tasks

 

[Patroclus]

Uhh, gross!

I would never. I do have Claude installed on my Mac, but it doesn't have file and other access. It gets what I feed it, when I need it.

I know people don't seem to care for privacy anymore, but no.

Lots of paranoia on this channel.
How long do you think Perplexity would last if they would release a software that steal people info?
Do you also think Apple, who is so big on privacy would allow that Sotware to be installed on their platform and ruin people experience?
Whether you accept it or not, AI will become our assistant and do things for us that we human often struggle.
One of them being well organized with our files and folder.
I’m already using Claude to create a daily brief of my emails, Slack, Hira and convert into a to do. Save me a great deal of time.

 

[MrElvey]

...I've played with the chat bots, tried to use the coding agents. Really tried. Perhaps I'm doing it all wrong, but as a 30 years+ experienced software and hardware engineer, I'd like to think I know a bit about what I'm doing and how to engineer stuff well. And. This. Stuff. Sucks.

How long ago did you try? It seems like it's getting better very very fast.

 

[MrElvey]

Lots of paranoia on this channel.
How long do you think Perplexity would last if they would release a software that steal people info?
Do you also think Apple, who is so big on privacy would allow that Sotware to be installed on their platform and ruin people experience?

Yes. Apple IS allowing it. If you have passwords saved in a password manager, anything can happen, and there are regularly exploits discovered where these AIs are tricked into betraying their 'owners'.

Huge pluses. Huge minuses.

 

[Squirrel]

I'm "perplexed" why anyone would want this intrusive tool.

You are probably not a business owner. I can dream up dozens of tasks to assist me in my business with a tool like this.

 

[Howard2k]

You are probably not a business owner. I can dream up dozens of tasks to assist me in my business with a tool like this.

Agreed.

I'm not a business owner but use AI regularly for both work and personal purposes. I've had some significant productivity gains.

 

[splifingate]

I don't think people realize the ramifications

The costs alone...