Perplexity's Assistant Falls Short of Being Default Phone AI Due to One Issue

Perplexity AI is taking a bold step into the mobile world with its new digital assistant, now available for Android phones. This week's announcement highlighted that the assistant not only maintains the core functionalities of Perplexity but also enhances user experience by integrating with other apps and executing multiple commands in sequence. From playing media and setting reminders to sending texts and emails, booking rides, and using the camera to learn about objects, Perplexity's assistant is designed to make your smartphone experience smoother and more intuitive.

What's great is that this feature comes at no cost and doesn't require a Pro subscription. However, iOS users will have to wait a bit longer as it's currently exclusive to Android.

I've been experimenting with Perplexity as my default phone assistant, and while I'm mostly impressed, there's one thing holding me back from fully committing: its inability to integrate with my calendar.

What Perplexity Can Do on Your Android Phone

I started with a simple task, asking Perplexity to list the best date-night restaurants and text them to my wife. Initially, it listed places in Orlando, Fla., but after confirming my location permissions, it corrected itself and provided a list of swanky options in Charlotte, NC. When I specified I wanted restaurants closer to my city just outside Charlotte, Perplexity delivered a refined list and, upon my approval, texted it to my wife.

Curious to see how far I could push it, I asked for a ride and watched as Perplexity seamlessly opened Uber with my destination set. Requesting "the most popular songs from the 1960s" led to Spotify playing those tunes, and when I needed to send an email saying I'd be late, Perplexity handled it through Gmail without a hitch.

Testing its visual capabilities, I pointed it at my TV, hoping to identify the actor Steve Martin from *Only Murders in the Building*. While it couldn't identify individuals, it did recognize the show, named the actors on screen, and even summarized the episode I was watching.

Limitations of Perplexity on Android

However, there are some limitations. When I asked for sensitive data like my bank account balance, Perplexity politely declined access. Similarly, while it can't directly view my Google Calendar, it can set events and reminders through its own system.

One of its strongest points is maintaining context across commands. From finding a restaurant to checking reviews, suggesting dishes, making reservations, and navigating there, Perplexity keeps everything connected seamlessly.

Why Perplexity Isn't My Default Assistant... Yet

Overall, I'm genuinely impressed with Perplexity AI's ease of use and capabilities. As a Pixel 8 Pro user, I rely heavily on the built-in assistant for calendar management. The absence of calendar integration is the main reason I haven't switched permanently. In nearly every other aspect, Perplexity matches or surpasses my current assistant.

If they can iron out a few minor kinks, I might just make the switch for good.

How to Try Perplexity's Phone Assistant

To give it a shot, you'll need an Android device. Download the free Perplexity app, then navigate to your phone's digital assistant settings. Select "Default digital assistant app," and choose Perplexity from the list. As you use the assistant, you'll be prompted to grant various permissions like microphone and camera access, along with those required by the apps you connect to.