The News Feed

Tag: Perplexity

  • Perplexity AI Offers to Merge with TikTok’s US Unit

    Perplexity AI Offers to Merge with TikTok’s US Unit

    In a surprising turn of events, the U.S.-based AI search engine startup, Perplexity AI, has proposed a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations. This bold move comes as TikTok faces the possibility of being banned in the United States due to national security concerns tied to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

    Details of the Bid

    Merger Proposal

    Perplexity AI’s plan involves creating a new entity by merging its operations with TikTok U.S. and bringing in new capital partners. This approach allows ByteDance’s current investors to keep their equity stakes, offering a compromise that could be more acceptable to ByteDance compared to an outright sale.

    Rationale

    The merger would add TikTok’s massive video content library and user base to Perplexity’s AI-powered search platform. This integration could enhance Perplexity’s offerings and bring new ways for users to discover content.

    Timing

    The bid comes at a critical time, just before a U.S. law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19.

    Context and Implications

    TikTok’s Situation

    The urgency stems from a recent Supreme Court ruling that supports the law mandating ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets. With President Joe Biden nearing the end of his term, enforcement will be left to the incoming Trump administration.

    Perplexity AI’s Strategy

    Perplexity AI, known for its innovative AI search technology, aims to expand its influence in the digital world by combining with TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms globally. This merger could pave the way for new applications of AI in creating and sharing content.

    Market Reaction

    The news has sparked debates online. While some view it as a creative way to preserve TikTok’s U.S. presence, others question how the merger would address data privacy concerns and control issues.

    Next Steps

    Trump’s Influence

    President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of granting TikTok a 90-day extension, allowing more time for negotiations or additional bids.

    ByteDance’s Stance

    ByteDance has historically opposed selling TikTok, considering it a key part of its business. However, a merger might present an alternative to a complete sale, which could be more appealing.

    Sources

    Reports from CNBC, Reuters, and Bloomberg confirm the proposal and provide insights into the intentions behind the merger plan.

    This potential deal represents a pivotal moment for TikTok, Perplexity AI, and the future of social media in the U.S.

  • Perplexity Buys Read.cv, a Social Media Platform, to Boost Professional Networking

    Perplexity Buys Read.cv, a Social Media Platform, to Boost Professional Networking

    In a major move to grow its presence in professional networking, AI-driven search engine Perplexity has announced it is buying Read.cv. The announcement was made on January 17, 2025, and shows Perplexity’s commitment to improving user connections and making knowledge more accessible.

    End of an Era for Read.cv

    Read.cv was known as a simple and creative platform for professionals to share their work, projects, and achievements. Starting today, the platform will begin shutting down. Users have until May 16, 2025, to save their data, including profiles and messages, using a built-in data export tool. The team at Read.cv described the closure as “bittersweet,” reflecting on their platform’s focus on creativity and curiosity.

    New Beginnings with Perplexity

    Both companies view the acquisition as a perfect fit for their goals. Read.cv shared in a farewell blog post, “We’ve long admired Perplexity and believe great things happen when the world’s knowledge is made more open and accessible.” Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, expressed excitement about welcoming Read.cv’s design and engineering teams to work on shared goals of exploration and innovation using AI.

    Backed by investors like Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA, Perplexity aims to combine AI with social innovation. This acquisition could help the company create new ways for professionals to connect and collaborate.

    Reactions and Future Outlook

    The news has brought mixed feelings from Read.cv users and the tech world. Many feel sad to see the platform close, but some are hopeful about the new possibilities. “It’s sad to see Read.cv sunset, but the merger with Perplexity could bring exciting new features for professionals,” commented one user online.

    While Perplexity has not shared exact plans for how Read.cv’s features will be used, they have hinted at new ideas for improving professional networking with AI tools.

    About the Companies

    Perplexity: An AI-powered search engine focused on providing accurate answers and valued at $9 billion. It is supported by major investors like Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA.

    Read.cv: A platform created by Andy Chung, a former designer at Facebook and Mozilla, known for emphasizing creativity in professional profiles.

    This acquisition highlights the growing importance of AI and user-focused design in shaping how professionals connect and share online.