Perplexity Computer adding ability to split tasks between local and cloud models

Perplexity has announced a major new feature coming soon to Perplexity Computer: the ability to split tasks between local and cloud models.

Perplexity Computer is the company’s agentic system for putting AI to work for you.

The upcoming task splitting feature will let Perplexity Computer switch between on-device AI models and more powerful server-based models for different jobs.

The idea is that one system will be able to handle sensitive data locally while also accessing front models with more power when needed.

Here’s Perplexity on why it’s building the new hybrid AI feature:

Hybrid agentic inference is for work that includes sensitive data but needs powerful AI. Things like financial records, health information, and personal files. The compact model runs locally on your device to determine when sensitive data should also be kept locally.

Meanwhile, work that needs a frontier model’s full capability runs on the server. Most real tasks are a mix, so Personal Computer splits them and coordinates the parts. Unlike tools that ask you to pick local or cloud up front, this happens on its own, task by task.

Perplexity says the hybrid AI orchestration feature will arrive for Perplexity Computer in July.

Related Perplexity stories:

• Perplexity elaborates on Mac-native ‘Personal Computer’ platform
• Perplexity AI app introduces ‘all-new native Mac experience’ for Personal Computer
• Perplexity’s Personal Computer AI assistant feature launches on Mac for subscribers