Perplexity AI searches for users in Japan, via SoftBank deal
What specific benefits will SoftBank's mobile operations, Y!mobile and LINEMO, provide to their customers through the partnership with Perplexity?
SoftBank's mobile operations, Y!mobile and LINEMO, will offer free, one-year subscriptions to Perplexity's premium tier, Perplexity Pro, to their customers starting June 19. This partnership will provide users with access to advanced search capabilities, the ability to select from the latest large language models (LLMs) for more comprehensive information searches and data processing, a feature for generating high-quality images based on search histories, and an AI profile feature that customizes search results and provides support through chat-based tools. This partnership is aimed at expanding Perplexity's user base and data touchpoints in Japan, as well as attracting more users interested in AI services for SoftBank's mobile operations.
How does Perplexity's strategic partnership with SoftBank in Japan align with its international expansion goals?
Perplexity's strategic partnership with SoftBank in Japan plays a significant role in its international expansion goals. By partnering with SoftBank, Perplexity gains access to SoftBank's extensive user base in Japan, which helps expand its reach and increase its data touchpoints in the Japanese market. This partnership also enables Perplexity to offer its premium service, Perplexity Pro, to a wider audience through SoftBank's mobile operations, Y!mobile and LINEMO.
Furthermore, the partnership highlights the growing interest in AI technology and its applications, especially in the search engine space. By collaborating with SoftBank, Perplexity can leverage SoftBank's expertise and resources in the AI industry to further enhance its search engine capabilities and develop new AI-driven services.
In addition to the SoftBank partnership, Perplexity has also established a partnership with Germany's Deutsche Telekom, further emphasizing its international expansion ambitions. These strategic alliances with major telecommunications companies allow Perplexity to tap into a vast market segment and bring its AI-powered search engine to a broader global audience.
How does the SB Intuitions venture fit into SoftBank’s broader AI strategy, and what challenges might it be facing?
SB Intuitions is a significant part of SoftBank's broader AI strategy as it focuses on developing homegrown Large Language Models (LLMs) specialized for the Japanese language. This venture allows SoftBank to cater to the unique needs of Japan-based customers and provide them with generative AI services1. By managing data from Japan-based data centers and developing LLM in a highly secure environment, SB Intuitions ensures the delivery of reliable and secure AI services1.
One of the main challenges that SB Intuitions might be facing is the competition from other advanced LLM players who are already building their models across different language groups. Additionally, the company might need to address concerns related to data privacy and security as it manages sensitive information from Japan-based customers.