Perplexity introduced Personal Computer, a cloud-based AI agent that automates desktop tasks on a Mac mini and lets users control the machine from any device. The company built the service to give Mac users persistent AI-driven automation for multi-step workflows without switching between apps or devices.
Users get remote control of a full desktop environment and can delegate repetitive tasks to software that handles file access, launches applications, and maintains session continuity. The system runs on a cloud-based Mac mini, giving the AI assistant continuous access to your files, apps, and computer sessions through a constantly running compact desktop.
Personal Computer runs a persistent macOS session in the cloud. You send instructions from any device, and the agent opens applications, accesses files, and runs sequences across multiple programs. According to Perplexity, every significant action requires user approval before it executes, and an instant-off button stops the agent and closes all active sessions immediately.
Personal Computer is Perplexity's answer to OpenClaw, a free, open-source agent for any task. The key difference is that Personal Computer runs exclusively on Perplexity's AI infrastructure and requires a paid subscription, while OpenClaw remains free and open source. OpenClaw allows developers to run the agent on their own systems without subscription requirements.
Access currently requires macOS and a Perplexity subscription. The company has opened a waitlist for early testers but hasn't disclosed pricing tiers or a broader rollout timeline. For now, only a limited set of users can try Personal Computer through the waitlist on Perplexity's website.
The company emphasizes user control with approval prompts for significant actions and an instant-off button. However, Perplexity has not yet clarified specific details about subscription tiers, broader platform support, or the complete technical requirements for the service.
As AI automation tools evolve, users will need to weigh the convenience of cloud-based assistants against considerations like subscription costs and data privacy. Monitoring how Perplexity and open-source alternatives develop will help readers assess which automation approach best fits their workflow and privacy needs.
