Perplexity AI, a leading player in the generative AI search space, has introduced a new feature to its WhatsApp chatbot that allows users to schedule tasks directly within the app. The update signals a growing trend among AI platforms to integrate productivity-enhancing tools into familiar consumer messaging environments.
The announcement was made by Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas, who revealed the enhancement on social media and confirmed that the feature is now live for WhatsApp users globally. This rollout follows the company’s broader mission to evolve beyond search into a more comprehensive knowledge assistant that can support everyday planning and decision-making.
Enhancing Everyday Utility
With the new functionality, users can ask the Perplexity chatbot on WhatsApp to “remind me to call at 5 pm” or “schedule a meeting tomorrow at 10 am,” among other commands. The bot will respond with a confirmation and store the request, issuing a reminder at the scheduled time.
While WhatsApp already supports basic reminder integrations via third-party apps, Perplexity’s native task scheduling is intended to be frictionless and conversational. Users don’t need to download any additional software or sync external calendars to get started.
According to Perplexity AI, this feature aligns with its goal of creating a multitasking assistant capable of not only providing factual answers but also actively supporting productivity needs.
A Step Toward Agentic AI
The feature marks a step toward the development of agentic AI systems—tools that not only answer questions but also take actions on behalf of users. In this case, the chatbot operates as a lightweight task manager embedded within a chat interface that users are already comfortable with.
While Perplexity has not disclosed the underlying technology powering this scheduling capability, it likely draws on large language models paired with a backend task queue system. The model interprets the user’s intent and parses it into structured data that triggers notifications at the appropriate time.
This approach reflects a broader trend in AI development where systems are evolving from passive responders to active assistants.
WhatsApp: The Platform of Choice
Choosing WhatsApp as the platform for this rollout underscores Perplexity’s strategy to meet users where they are. With over two billion active users globally, WhatsApp remains one of the most ubiquitous communication platforms, especially in regions like India, where smartphone users are increasingly engaging with AI-powered services via messaging.
By integrating scheduling directly into WhatsApp, Perplexity taps into a massive base of digitally fluent users who prefer seamless, chat-based workflows over switching between apps.
Competitive Landscape and Differentiation
Perplexity AI competes in a space dominated by players such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. However, the company has carved out a niche by focusing on real-time search combined with AI synthesis and now, light productivity features.
The ability to combine search, summarization, and scheduling in a single conversational interface may serve as a differentiator in a market where users increasingly expect their AI assistants to be both informative and action-oriented.
This functionality also positions Perplexity to appeal to a more utilitarian use case beyond content creation or information retrieval—one where task management and contextual awareness are key.
India: A Key Market
Perplexity’s expansion of services in India reflects the region’s importance in the global AI adoption curve. India has consistently ranked among the top user bases for generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and Google Bard.
By launching features tailored to WhatsApp, which has a dominant presence in India, Perplexity is making a deliberate effort to capture mindshare in a market where mobile-first and messaging-first behaviors dominate digital engagement.
What’s Next for Perplexity AI
The launch of task scheduling is expected to be one of many upcoming utility-focused additions to Perplexity’s AI assistant. As more users turn to AI tools for help beyond search—such as summarizing documents, translating content, or managing personal productivity—the line between chatbot and digital assistant continues to blur.
For now, the scheduling feature offers a glimpse into how AI tools like Perplexity are gradually becoming integrated into users’ daily lives—not just as sources of information, but as proactive partners in managing it.
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