Perplexity, a startup specializing in generative AI search, has launched its Sonar API, enabling developers and enterprises to build the company's AI search tools into their own applications. This move marks a significant expansion of Perplexity's reach, as its AI search engine is no longer limited to its app and website.

The Sonar API is designed to provide more accurate and authoritative results by leveraging real-time connections to the internet and trusted sources. This approach differs from traditional generative AI features, which rely solely on training data. Perplexity claims that its API offers a more comprehensive solution, particularly for complex queries.

To cater to different needs, Perplexity is offering two tiers of the Sonar API: a base version and a more advanced Pro version. The base version, Sonar, is a cost-effective and faster option, while Sonar Pro provides more detailed answers and can handle more complex questions. The Pro version also offers twice as many citations as the base version.

In terms of pricing, the base version of Sonar costs $5 for every 1,000 searches, plus $1 for every 750,000 words input into the AI model and another $1 for every 750,000 words output by the model. Sonar Pro, on the other hand, costs $5 for every 1,000 searches, plus $5 for every 750,000 words input and $15 for every 750,000 words output.

Perplexity has already secured a notable client, Zoom, which is utilizing Sonar to power an AI assistant for its video conferencing platform. This integration enables Zoom's AI chatbot to provide real-time answers, informed by web searches with citations, without requiring users to leave the video chat window.

The launch of Sonar API could also have significant implications for Perplexity's revenue growth. The startup, which has an annual recurring revenue of $5-10 million, is looking to expand its revenue streams. The introduction of Sonar API could provide a new source of income, particularly given the company's claim of offering the most affordable AI search API on the market.

Perplexity's move into the API market comes at a time when the tech industry is increasingly focused on making AI tools more accessible and affordable. The startup's ability to offer a competitive pricing model could be a key differentiator in this space.

In a recent benchmark test, Sonar Pro outperformed leading models from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic in terms of factual correctness in AI chatbot answers. This achievement could further bolster Perplexity's reputation as a leader in the generative AI search space.

With the launch of Sonar API, Perplexity is poised to expand its reach and influence in the AI search market. As the company continues to innovate and improve its offerings, it will be interesting to see how its API is adopted and utilized by developers and enterprises alike.