AI search engine startup Perplexity has announced a partnership with Motorola, making it the first smartphone brand to integrate Perplexity's technology at a native level. This move signifies AI search's expansion into mobile ecosystems. Motorola phones will feature an "Answer Engine" that provides users with concise, ad-free search results. This integration will be part of Motorola's upcoming "Moto AI" suite, alongside other AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot (MSFT, Financial), Google Gemini (GOOGL), and Meta (META).
Motorola users will initially enjoy a three-month free trial of the Perplexity Pro package, offering advanced "Deep Research" capabilities. Unlike regular app integration, this is a system-level feature, promoting effortless daily use of AI. The collaboration is described as "usage-oriented," focusing on expanding Perplexity's user base without profiting directly from phone sales.
This partnership re-emphasizes the potential of integrating AI with smartphones, especially after standalone AI devices like the Humane AI Pin failed to gain traction. Perplexity, a rapidly growing AI search company, has seen its valuation climb from $500 million at the start of 2024 to $9 billion, with expectations of reaching $18 billion in ongoing funding talks. Effective integration of generative AI could revolutionize user interaction with digital assistants and information acquisition.
