Perplexity - Ask Anything represents a significant evolution in AI-assisted information retrieval, positioning itself as a research-focused alternative to conventional search engines. The application leverages multiple advanced language models from leading AI developers including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta, providing users with a consolidated platform for obtaining accurate, cited information across diverse subject matters. The core functionality centers around Perplexity Pro Search and Deep Research capabilities, which guide users through complex queries with contextual understanding. The Thread Follow-Ups feature maintains conversational context across interactions, enabling progressive refinement of research topics. The Assistant functionality supports practical applications such as email drafting and document creation, while cross-device synchronization ensures continuity across iOS platforms. All responses include source citations, allowing users to verify information credibility directly. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with a clean interface prioritizing query input and response clarity. The application organizes information hierarchically, presenting concise answers followed by detailed explanations and source references. Real-world usage patterns show particularly strong adoption among research professionals, academics, and content creators who require verified information with minimal noise. The notification system for trending news with interactive questioning capabilities adds timely relevance to the research experience. User feedback consistently highlights the application's research capabilities and writing assistance. JoshFromTx (September 4, 2025) notes the application requires adaptation but delivers substantial value, while Binivader (September 5, 2025) specifically praises its technical proposal drafting capabilities. akritori (September 5, 2025) reports complete transition from traditional search engines, indicating strong user retention. Not an agent (September 4, 2025) emphasizes the value of cited news clarification features. The application demonstrates particular strength in academic and professional research scenarios where source verification is critical. Limitations include dependency on underlying AI models' knowledge cutoffs and potential variability in response quality across specialized domains. The free access model with premium features creates accessibility, though power users may require subscription services for advanced functionality. Ideal use cases include academic research, content creation, technical writing, and current events analysis where verified, cited information outweighs the convenience of conventional search results.