Telefónica Launches Perplexity Pro: A Game-Changer in AI-Powered Search
In a pivotal week marked by leadership changes, Telefónica has unveiled its latest innovation: Perplexity Pro, a cutting-edge AI-powered ”response engine” developed in partnership with the American startup Perplexity. This move comes as the company transitions from José María Álvarez-Pallete to Marc Murtra as its new president, signaling a fresh era of technological advancement for the telecom giant.
A New Era of Search
Perplexity Pro, described by its CEO Aravind Srinivas as a “response engine,” leverages advanced artificial intelligence to provide clear, direct answers to user queries using natural language. “We have had search engines for two decades that do not give the desired results. We can change this paradigm and move to an answer engine,” Srinivas announced during his visit to Madrid.
this tool is designed to revolutionize how users interact with search engines, offering a more intuitive and efficient experiance. Unlike customary search engines,Perplexity Pro focuses on delivering precise answers rather than a list of links,making it a significant leap forward in AI technology.
Democratizing AI for Movistar Customers
Starting this Thursday, all Movistar customers in Spain will have access to Perplexity Pro free of charge for twelve months. This initiative makes telefónica the first telecom operator to offer such an AI service to its customers. Lorena Senator-Gómez, Telefónica’s Director of partnerships & Devices, emphasized the company’s goal of “democratizing” AI to enhance users’ search experiences and daily productivity.
The service allows users to associate up to five accounts, with a combined market value of 1,000 euros per year, according to Óscar Candiles, Telefónica’s B2C Director. This generous offering underscores Telefónica’s commitment to providing value to its customers while positioning itself as a leader in AI integration.
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
Perplexity, founded in 2022, has quickly risen to prominence in the AI space. The startup raised 750 million euros in 2023 and an additional 750 million euros in 2024, with Telefónica being one of its largest investors through its innovation arm, Wayra.
This partnership marks Perplexity’s first agreement with a telecom operator in Spain, although the startup has similar collaborations worldwide.”we have identified the best partners in each country so that our technology reaches users,” Srinivas explained.
A Vision for the Future
Telefónica’s foray into AI aligns with its broader strategy to become a telecommunications and technology powerhouse. The company’s potential acquisition of Minsait, Indra’s technological arm, could further solidify its position in the industry. While Telefónica has remained tight-lipped about the deal, it reiterated its focus on “technology and providing value to its customers.”
Chema Alonso, Telefónica’s Chief Digital officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that the company embraced it from “the first moment.” He highlighted the tool’s accessibility, ensuring customers can use it seamlessly from anywhere.
How Perplexity Pro Stands Out
Unlike othre AI tools such as ChatGPT or OpenAI, Perplexity Pro does not develop its own language models. Instead, it utilizes open-source base models, allowing the company to allocate resources more efficiently. This approach has enabled Perplexity to focus on refining its search capabilities, making it a unique player in the AI landscape.
Key Features of Perplexity Pro
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Access | Free for Movistar customers for 12 months |
| Accounts | Up to five accounts per user |
| Market Value | 1,000 euros per year (200 euros per account) |
| Technology | AI-powered response engine using natural language |
| Partnership | First agreement with a telecom operator in Spain |
A Call to Action
For Movistar customers, this is an unparalleled chance to experience the future of search technology. Whether you’re looking to streamline your work or enhance your daily life, perplexity Pro promises to deliver. Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking service—activate your account today and join the AI revolution.
Telefónica’s launch of Perplexity Pro is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a testament to the company’s vision of innovation and customer-centricity. As the telecom giant continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: the future of search is here, and it’s powered by AI.