Perplexity

What it does

Perplexity is what Google could have been if it were invented today. You ask a question in plain language, you get a written answer back, with numbered footnotes pointing to the sites the information came from. Click a footnote, the source opens, like a Wikipedia article.

It shines for questions you’d otherwise open ten tabs for. “What’s the difference between X and Y.” “How does the average large organisation handle Z.” “Where is regulation around W today.”

When we use it

In trainings, often as a fast fact-check. Someone says something that sounds like a fact, and instead of doubting, you type the question into Perplexity and see straight away whether the source holds up.

Also handy for getting up to speed on a topic before writing a Copilot prompt. If a term comes up in a work document you’re not sure about, ask Perplexity to explain it in two sentences with links to deeper articles.

Good to know

• Free tier is enough for most people
• Pro (USD 20/month) unlocks better models and file uploads
• Works for Dutch questions too, though sources skew English
• Not a replacement for Copilot inside your own documents, this is broad web search