19 hrs ago

Perplexity Launches Hybrid Compute For Sensitive Local-Cloud AI Tasks

Perplexity created a tool called Hybrid Compute for Mac computers.

It lets some AI work happen online and some happen directly on the user’s computer.

Keeping certain work on the computer can help protect private information.

It may also reduce the amount of work sent to more expensive online AI models.

Users can check which files will be used before starting.

They can also choose which AI models handle the work.

Local models currently include Gemma E4B and versions of Qwen 3.6.

Work done by a local model does not count toward token charges.

The tool currently works only on certain Macs and is limited to Pro and Max subscribers.

Key facts

Availability: Currently available only on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 15.
Subscription: Available only to Perplexity Pro and Max subscribers.
Recommended hardware: Perplexity recommends at least 32GB of unified memory.
Local models: Current options include Gemma E4B and two versions of Qwen’s 35-billion-parameter 3.6 model.
Privacy feature: Users can keep sensitive information on their local computer while cloud and local models share the work.
Cost feature: Tokens generated by a local model on the user’s machine are not charged.
Task controls: Users can review selected files, choose models, monitor hardware usage, and view token consumption.

firstpost.com · 19 hrs ago