New ProSearch feature allows Perplexity users to generate visual data charts

· 1 min read
Perplexity

Perplexity recently added a powerful new feature to its ProSearch, enabling users to generate charts based on the data retrieved from a search query. For example, users can request certain financial data or publicly available demographic information, and Perplexity will display it visually using either a line or bar chart, depending on the query. This enhancement makes Perplexity’s ProSearch highly effective, as it combines the power of an LLM-powered search engine with LLM-powered tools, offering the ability to plot data seamlessly on a chart.

Many users have already found creative ways to leverage this feature. In some cases, it can serve as an alternative to Bloomberg’s paid terminal, as Perplexity has access to detailed financial information from various companies. This data, sourced directly from financial data provider APIs rather than a standard search index, is generally more reliable. With this new feature, users can transform and plot the data in whatever format they need, allowing for customized visualizations and more targeted insights.

I personally tested this feature to analyze how many blog posts I had made over a specific period. While I still have some concerns about its accuracy, I found that it generally queries the correct sources and generates useful charts. However, you may need to adjust the prompt for better accuracy, as with any output produced by an LLM. It’s always essential to verify the results to ensure the data is correct.