Latest news with #AravindSrinivas
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
One AI prompt, two white collar jobs ‘gone': Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas's bold claim sparks debate
In a recent podcast appearance, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas outlined a bold new direction for white-collar automation with the launch of Comet, an AI-powered browser that may soon carry out the work of recruiters and administrative assistants with a single prompt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new browser, still in invite-only beta, is designed to integrate with everyday platforms like Gmail, LinkedIn, Google Calendar, and Google Sheets. Srinivas demonstrated how Comet is capable of managing complex workflows, from identifying and contacting potential job candidates to handling follow-ups, organising meetings, and resolving scheduling conflicts. The project reflects a broader shift in how artificial intelligence is beginning to take over roles that were once thought to require a high degree of human input. By running background tasks continuously and following natural language instructions, Comet could make it possible for businesses to automate essential office functions that were previously the domain of skilled professionals. Srinivas described this development not as a far-off possibility but as something that is already happening in part—and which could be fully operational in less than a year. AI tool Comet could replace a recruiter's week of work with 'one prompt' Recruiting is one of the most process-heavy areas of modern business. It involves screening profiles, gathering contact information, reaching out to candidates, tracking communication, and scheduling interviews. Traditionally, this work takes days of effort by recruiters and coordinators. Comet aims to condense that into a single prompt. According to Srinivas, a recruiter's entire week of work could be replicated through automation that identifies ideal candidate profiles, drafts personalised messages, and manages all the follow-up without manual oversight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For instance, Srinivas explained how Comet could search for a specific group of professionals—such as Stanford alumni who previously worked at Anthropic—compile their LinkedIn information into Google Sheets, and automatically write tailored outreach emails. As the responses come in, Comet can log the status of each lead, schedule calls using Google Calendar, and even resolve conflicting time slots. The goal is not just to save time, but to redesign the workflow entirely. Taking over administrative assistant functions In addition to recruitment, Comet has been built to perform tasks typically handled by executive assistants. These include managing inboxes, preparing documents for meetings, sending reminders, coordinating with multiple calendars, and staying on top of logistics. According to Srinivas, the browser is designed to operate in the background while staying contextually aware of what the user needs. He described how Comet can follow up on conversations automatically, sync calendars to avoid scheduling errors, and maintain updated status logs across apps. This isn't basic automation like email templates or keyboard shortcuts. Instead, it involves AI following ongoing tasks, reasoning across apps, and completing multi-step processes with little or no manual input. Comet as an AI operating system for work Srinivas also shared his long-term vision for Comet as more than just a browser. He sees it becoming a kind of operating system for white-collar productivity—something that runs quietly in the background, ready to handle user commands in plain language. This AI would not just assist, but take initiative in coordinating, tracking, and executing tasks across platforms. To emphasise the potential value of this approach, Srinivas gave the example of a company paying thousands of dollars for a single AI prompt, if the output helps generate real business results. Comet, in his view, represents the next evolution in digital tools, where the browser becomes a command centre for intelligent, end-to-end automation. Reactions from the broader tech industry The announcement and capabilities of Comet have reignited discussions about AI's role in future employment. Other tech leaders have expressed similar concerns and predictions. Dario Amodei, CEO of AI firm Anthropic, has estimated that half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could disappear within five years due to automation. Ford CEO Jim Farley has also publicly stated that artificial intelligence may replace 50 percent of white-collar workers. However, not all industry voices agree on the scale or impact. Marc Benioff of Salesforce and Jensen Huang of Nvidia maintain that AI will serve as a tool for human enhancement, not outright replacement. In that context, Comet may be seen either as a threat to jobs or as a way to boost productivity without increasing headcount. What is clear is that the introduction of tools like Comet is already changing how work gets done. Comet's current availability and pricing At present, Comet is being rolled out as an invite-only beta available to premium subscribers of Perplexity. The premium tier, which includes access to Perplexity's advanced features, is priced at around $200 per month. Srinivas mentioned that future pricing may be structured around value-based billing. In practical terms, that means businesses may be charged based on the value they gain from the AI's output rather than just usage hours or prompt limits. Although the browser is still in development, Srinivas suggested that its core functions—especially those related to recruiter and assistant roles—will become fully automated within the next six to twelve months. This timeline suggests that companies and workers may need to prepare sooner than expected for significant changes in workflow and job design. A shift in the nature of work Comet represents more than just a new app or productivity tool. It shows how artificial intelligence can be integrated into something as familiar as a browser to perform meaningful work tasks across multiple platforms. Unlike past generations of AI that required specific APIs or single-purpose tools, Comet functions like a worker that can read your email, understand your calendar, communicate through your apps, and make real-time decisions. Srinivas emphasised that the people who embrace tools like Comet are likely to remain relevant in the job market. Those who avoid or delay using AI may find themselves falling behind. This isn't simply about learning how to use software. It's about rethinking the role of humans in an AI-assisted professional landscape.
The Verge
5 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Cloudflare says Perplexity's AI bots are ‘stealth crawling' blocked sites
The AI search startup Perplexity is allegedly skirting restrictions meant to stop its AI web crawlers from accessing certain websites, according to a report from Cloudflare. In the report, Cloudflare claims that when Perplexity encounters a block, the startup will conceal its crawling identity 'in an attempt to circumvent the website's preferences.' The report only adds to concerns about Perplexity vacuuming up content without permission, as the company got caught barging past paywalls and ignoring sites' files last year. At the time, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas blamed the activity on third-party crawlers used by the site. Now, Cloudflare, one of the world's biggest internet architecture providers, says it received complaints from customers who claimed that Perplexity's bots still had access to their websites even after putting their preference in their websites' file and by creating Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to restrict access to the startup's AI bots. To test this, Cloudflare says it created new domains with similar restrictions against Perplexity's AI scrapers. It found that the startup will first attempt to access the sites by identifying itself as the names of its crawlers: 'PerplexityBot' or 'Perplexity-User.' But if the website has restrictions against AI scraping, Cloudflare claims Perplexity will change its user agent — the bit of information that tells a website what kind of browser and device you're using, or if the visitor is a bot — to 'impersonate Google Chrome on macOS.' Cloudflare says this 'undeclared crawler' uses 'rotating' IP addresses that the company doesn't include on the list of IP addresses used by its bots. Additionally, Cloudflare claims that Perplexity changes its autonomous system networks (ASN), a number used to identify groups of IP networks controlled by a single operator, to get around blocks as well. 'This activity was observed across tens of thousands of domains and millions of requests per day,' Cloudflare writes. In a statement to The Verge, Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer called Cloudflare's report a 'publicity stunt,' adding that 'there are a lot of misunderstandings in the blog post.' Cloudflare has since de-listed Perplexity as a verified bot and has rolled out methods to block Perplexity's 'stealth crawling.' Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince has been outspoken about AI's 'existential threat' to publishers. Last month, the company started letting websites ask AI companies to pay to crawl their content, and began blocking AI crawlers by default. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Emma Roth Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All AI Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Web
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas says AI browser will automate these two jobs in every office with just one prompt
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas anticipates that their new AI browser, Comet, will automate recruiter and administrative assistant roles by accessing applications like Gmail and LinkedIn. Comet can generate candidate lists, manage emails, coordinate calendars, and prepare meetings. While some leaders predict widespread job disruption, Srinivas emphasizes that AI proficiency will enhance employability. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believes his company's new AI browser , Comet, will soon automate two crucial white-collar roles that every modern workplace depends on: recruiters and administrative assistants. Speaking on The Verge's Decoder podcast, Srinivas outlined how Comet's built-in AI agent can access applications like Gmail, LinkedIn, and Google Calendar to completely transform knowledge work . "A recruiter's work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs," he said during the Thursday episode. The AI-native browser, currently in invite-only beta for premium users, can generate candidate lists, extract contact information, and send personalised outreach emails, tasks traditionally handled by recruiting coordinators and sourcers. Srinivas demonstrated scenarios where the AI could identify Stanford alumni who previously worked at Anthropic, compile their information in Google Sheets, and draft personalised cold outreach messages. AI browser targets administrative work beyond recruiting Comet's capabilities extend far beyond recruiting functions. Srinivas explained how the browser can assume many executive assistant responsibilities, including email management, calendar coordination, and meeting preparation. The AI can "keep following up, keep track of responses, update Google Sheets, mark status as responded or in progress, sync with Google Calendar, and resolve conflicts to schedule meetings," he said. The Perplexity CEO envisions the browser evolving into an AI operating system that continuously runs background tasks and executes commands through natural language prompts. He believes users will pay premium prices for meaningful automation, suggesting people might spend "$2,000 for a prompt" if it helps generate significant business value. AI leaders split on AI's impact on white-collar employment Srinivas joins other tech executives predicting widespread disruption to office jobs. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has suggested AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level positions within five years, while Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that artificial intelligence will "replace literally half of all white-collar workers." However, not all industry leaders share this apocalyptic view. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang frame AI as an augmentation tool rather than wholesale replacement technology. Despite differing perspectives on AI's ultimate impact, Srinivas issued a clear warning: "People who are at the frontier of using AI are going to be way more employable than people who are not." AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas says AI will completely automate two office jobs with just one prompt
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has said his company's new AI browser, Comet, will soon automate two white-collar roles that every workplace depends upon: recruiters and administrative assistants. Srinivas, while speaking on The Verge's Decoder podcast, detailed how Comet's built-in AI agent can access applications like Gmail, LinkedIn, and Google Calendar to completely transform knowledge work. "A recruiter's work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs," he said during the Thursday AI-native browser is currently in invite-only beta for premium users. It can generate candidate lists, extract contact information, and send personalised outreach emails, tasks traditionally handled by recruiting coordinators and sourcers. Srinivas displayed scenarios where Comet could identify Stanford alumni who previously worked at Anthropic, compile their information in Google Sheets, and draft personalised cold outreach messages. Comet is not just limited to recruiting tasks. Srinivas said the browser can play the role of several executive assistants, and can carry out tasks including email management, calendar coordination, and meeting preparation. The AI can "keep following up, keep track of responses, update Google Sheets, mark status as responded or in progress, sync with Google Calendar, and resolve conflicts to schedule meetings," he wants the browser to evolve into an AI operating system that continuously runs background tasks and executes commands through natural language prompts. He believes users will pay premium prices for meaningful automation, suggesting people might spend "$2,000 for a prompt" if it helps generate significant business is among tech executives who believe AI will create a widespread disruption to office jobs. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has suggested AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level positions within five years, while Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that artificial intelligence will "replace literally half of all white-collar workers."However, some are on the other side of the spectrum. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang frame AI as an augmentation tool rather than wholesale replacement differing perspectives, Srinivas issued a clear warning: "People who are at the frontier of using AI are going to be way more employable than people who are not. (With TOI inputs)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas says AI browser will automate these two jobs in every office
Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believes his company's new AI browser , Comet, will soon automate two crucial white-collar roles that every modern workplace depends on: recruiters and administrative assistants. Speaking on The Verge's Decoder podcast, Srinivas outlined how Comet's built-in AI agent can access applications like Gmail, LinkedIn, and Google Calendar to completely transform knowledge work . "A recruiter's work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs," he said during the Thursday episode. The AI-native browser, currently in invite-only beta for premium users, can generate candidate lists, extract contact information, and send personalised outreach emails, tasks traditionally handled by recruiting coordinators and sourcers. Srinivas demonstrated scenarios where the AI could identify Stanford alumni who previously worked at Anthropic, compile their information in Google Sheets, and draft personalised cold outreach messages. AI browser targets administrative work beyond recruiting by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Comet's capabilities extend far beyond recruiting functions. Srinivas explained how the browser can assume many executive assistant responsibilities, including email management, calendar coordination, and meeting preparation. The AI can "keep following up, keep track of responses, update Google Sheets, mark status as responded or in progress, sync with Google Calendar, and resolve conflicts to schedule meetings," he said. The Perplexity CEO envisions the browser evolving into an AI operating system that continuously runs background tasks and executes commands through natural language prompts. He believes users will pay premium prices for meaningful automation, suggesting people might spend "$2,000 for a prompt" if it helps generate significant business value. AI leaders split on AI's impact on white-collar employment Srinivas joins other tech executives predicting widespread disruption to office jobs. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has suggested AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level positions within five years, while Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that artificial intelligence will "replace literally half of all white-collar workers." However, not all industry leaders share this apocalyptic view. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang frame AI as an augmentation tool rather than wholesale replacement technology. Despite differing perspectives on AI's ultimate impact, Srinivas issued a clear warning: "People who are at the frontier of using AI are going to be way more employable than people who are not."
