BT shells out £18m in refunds after Ofcom probe
This week Ofcom has revealed that BT has refunded £18 million to an unspecified number
Imagine a tool that takes your half-formed ideas and turns them into polished reports, detailed spreadsheets, or even functional web apps—all with minimal effort on your part. That’s the promise of Perplexity Labs, a fresh offering from Perplexity AI that dropped on May 29, 2025, and has the tech world abuzz. Available exclusively to Pro subscribers for $20 a month, this platform is stepping beyond the company’s roots in search to carve out a space in productivity solutions. With access on web, iOS, and Android—plus Mac and Windows support on the way—Perplexity Labs is positioning itself as a go-to for anyone juggling complex tasks. But what’s driving all the chatter, and does it live up to the excitement? Let’s break it down.
At its core, Perplexity Labs is built to handle multi-step, time-intensive projects that would typically eat up hours or even days. Think of crafting a marketing plan, analyzing financial data, or designing an interactive dashboard—tasks that often require a mix of research, technical skills, and patience. This tool promises to condense that process into cycles of 10 minutes or more, using advanced features like deep web browsing, code writing, and visual creation to deliver tangible outputs. Files like CSVs, charts, and documents are neatly organized in an “Assets” tab, while interactive elements live in an “App” tab, making it easy to review and download your work1.
The appeal is clear: Perplexity Labs acts almost like a virtual team, taking on the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. For professionals, this could mean whipping up detailed spreadsheets in a fraction of the usual time. For everyday users, it might be about creating a structured budget or a personal project plan with ease. The platform’s knack for producing concrete results—unlike many AI tools that stick to conversational responses—sets it apart in a crowded field2.
The rollout of Perplexity Labs has sparked a wave of reactions, with many praising its potential to simplify high-effort work. Social media posts highlight jaw-dropping examples, like users crafting sophisticated apps for data analysis with just a simple prompt. Experts have chimed in too, noting how the tool’s efficiency mirrors having a dedicated crew at your fingertips, especially for intricate outputs like dynamic presentations3.
However, not everyone is fully sold. Some reviews give Perplexity Labs a solid but not perfect score—around 7.7 out of 10—pointing to a slick interface and strong integration but flagging gaps in team-sharing features. Others raise eyebrows over security, especially given broader concerns about Perplexity AI’s app vulnerabilities like unsecured network setups. These critiques suggest that while the tool shines in speed, it’s not yet a flawless solution for every need4.
What’s fueling the fascination with Perplexity Labs isn’t just its current capabilities—it’s the hint of what’s next. Perplexity AI is clearly aiming to expand beyond being a search engine, dipping into productivity with this launch while also teasing projects like the Comet browser and acquiring Read.vc, a professional networking platform. Reports even suggest a potential $1 billion funding round, which could value the company at $18 billion, showing serious investor confidence in their vision5.
This tool also taps into a growing trend of AI agents—systems that don’t just answer questions but actively plan and execute tasks. By entering this space, Perplexity Labs positions itself against heavyweights like Microsoft’s Copilot or custom tools from OpenAI, though with a unique focus on generating usable files and mini-apps. For many, this feels like a step toward making advanced tech accessible, whether you’re running a small business or just trying to organize your life1.
Despite the enthusiasm, there are hurdles Perplexity Labs needs to clear. Collaboration remains a sticking point—users looking to work with others on projects might find the current setup lacking. Security is another concern, as analyses of Perplexity AI’s broader platform reveal risks like data exposure and weak protections against attacks. Until these are addressed, some caution is warranted, especially for sensitive tasks4.
There’s also the question of real-world impact. While Perplexity Labs excels in controlled scenarios, its effectiveness across diverse, unpredictable needs is still under scrutiny. Early feedback suggests users should double-check outputs for accuracy, as the tool, though impressive, is a work in progress3.
The excitement around Perplexity Labs isn’t just about what it does today—it’s about the possibilities it hints at for tomorrow. In a world where time is often our scarcest resource, a platform that can take on complex projects and deliver polished results feels like a lifeline. Whether you’re piecing together a business report or planning a personal endeavor, the idea of cutting down on grunt work is undeniably appealing.
Yet, the mixed feedback reminds us to keep expectations in check. Perplexity Labs is a bold move by Perplexity AI, but it’s not without flaws. As the company refines this tool and rolls out updates, it could very well redefine how we approach productivity. For now, it’s a promising glimpse into a future where tech handles more of the heavy lifting, leaving us free to focus on what truly counts.
The chatter surrounding Perplexity Labs shows no sign of slowing down. As more users test its limits and share their experiences, and as Perplexity AI hints at further expansions, this platform remains one to watch. Could it be the key to unlocking easier, faster ways to work and create? Only time will tell, but the conversation around Perplexity Labs is just getting started.
Citations
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Author: Jim Malervy -
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