Perplexity AI Search Engine Launches Samsung Smart TV App
Key Points
- Perplexity teams with Samsung to launch an AI search app on smart TVs.
- App is immediately available on 2025 Samsung models; OTA update will bring it to 2024 and 2023 models later.
- Users can type or use voice to ask questions; a free 12‑month Pro plan is offered via an in‑app QR code.
- Perplexity was an early AI search provider, predating similar features in major chatbot platforms.
- The service enters a competitive market where Google and others are adding AI search modes.
- Legal controversies include accusations of website scraping and multiple copyright infringement lawsuits.
- The partnership expands AI search access to living‑room environments, enhancing hands‑free information retrieval.
Perplexity is teaming with Samsung to bring its AI search engine to Samsung smart TVs. The new app is instantly available on 2025‑model sets and will roll out to 2024 and 2023 models later via an OTA update. Users can type or speak queries, and a free 12‑month Pro plan subscription can be claimed through an in‑app QR code. While the partnership expands Perplexity’s reach, the startup has faced criticism and legal challenges over alleged data scraping and copyright infringement.
Partnership Overview
Perplexity, an AI‑driven search engine, has announced a collaboration with Samsung to embed its technology directly into Samsung smart televisions. The integration is live today for owners of 2025‑model Samsung TVs, with a broader rollout planned for 2024 and 2023 models later in the year via an over‑the‑air (OTA) software update.
App Features and Access
The new application allows users to interact with Perplexity’s search capabilities using either a typed query or voice input, leveraging the TV’s built‑in microphones and remote controls. To encourage early adoption, Perplexity is offering a complimentary 12‑month subscription to its Pro plan. Users can redeem this offer by scanning a QR code displayed within the app, which links directly to the subscription activation page.
Background on Perplexity
Before the surge of AI features in mainstream chatbots from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, Perplexity distinguished itself by providing a web‑search experience that went deeper than traditional search engines. The service gained attention for delivering concise, sourced answers drawn from live web data, positioning it as a forerunner in AI‑enhanced search.
Competitive Landscape
The launch arrives at a time when major players, including Google, are heavily investing in AI‑augmented search modes. By placing its technology on a widely used consumer platform like Samsung TVs, Perplexity aims to capture users who prefer a hands‑free, living‑room experience for quick information retrieval.
Legal and Reputation Concerns
Despite its technical innovations, Perplexity’s reputation has been marred by a series of controversies. Cloudflare accused the company of scraping websites without permission. Additionally, two of Japan’s largest media organizations filed lawsuits alleging copyright infringement and the dissemination of false statements. Merriam‑Webster also initiated legal action, citing similar copyright concerns. These disputes highlight ongoing tensions between AI developers and content owners over data usage practices.
Implications for Consumers
For Samsung TV owners, the integration offers a novel way to access AI‑driven answers without needing a separate device. The free Pro subscription provides an incentive to explore the service’s premium features, while the OTA update path ensures that older TV models can eventually benefit from the same functionality.
Looking Ahead
As Perplexity expands its presence on consumer hardware, the company will need to navigate its legal challenges while maintaining the quality and reliability of its search results. The partnership with Samsung represents a significant step in making AI search more accessible in everyday settings, but the ongoing lawsuits may influence how the service evolves and how it is perceived by both users and content creators.