Perplexity is in the process of rolling out a new autonomous email assistant, currently surfaced as an Alpha feature in the settings tab. Early glimpses suggest this tool is targeted at professionals and anyone who handles substantial email and meeting traffic, offering a hands-off approach to inbox management and scheduling.
The onboarding introduces a step-by-step process, requiring users to link their email, after which the assistant begins scanning and labeling emails. Labeling can be turned on or off, and users can customize available labels, evoking comparisons to Google’s former Inbox product, known for its automated sorting.
Beyond organizing emails, the assistant introduces an auto-draft function, which auto-generates replies to incoming messages that users can edit before sending. In terms of scheduling, users have access to detailed settings, such as meeting durations, buffer times between meetings, and how independently the assistant should act in scheduling events. The assistant can be reached via email, and by copying it into threads, users can delegate tasks or even full conversations, with the assistant replying on their behalf.
Perplexity, known primarily for its search platform, appears to be branching into productivity tools with this assistant, echoing broader trends of integrating AI more deeply into daily work routines. If the Alpha phase proves successful, this could indicate a strategic move toward making Perplexity a hub for work automation.
While current settings include label customization and system prompts, there is potential for even deeper personalization, such as prompts tailored to each label, allowing for more granular workflow automation. Perplexity assistant’s design seems to recognize the diverse needs of its users, enabling creative and personalized management of time, tasks, and communication.
