Perplexity Accused of Offering Downgraded Version to Airtel Users
Perplexity.ai, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has been accused of offering a downgraded version of its services to Airtel users. A viral Reddit post has alleged that the free Perplexity Pro offer provided to Airtel subscribers delivers a reduced “Pro-Lite” experience, complete with slower responses and missing features. However, Perplexity.ai has vehemently denied these claims, insisting that Airtel users receive identical access to advanced AI tools as paid subscribers.
The controversy surrounds Perplexity Pro, a premium AI platform valued at ₹17,000 annually. The plan offers a comprehensive suite of advanced AI tools, including file uploads, image generation, and more. In an effort to democratize AI, Perplexity.ai partnered with Airtel to offer this premium service for free to millions of users. While this move was seen as a major step forward in making AI more accessible, some users have taken to Reddit to express their disappointment and frustration with the service.
According to the Reddit post, which has garnered significant attention online, Perplexity Pro users on Airtel are experiencing slower responses, missing features, and a generally reduced functionality compared to paid subscribers. The post claims that the company is delivering a “Pro-Lite” experience to Airtel users, watering down the full benefits of the Perplexity Pro service.
In response to these allegations, Perplexity.ai has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The company insists that Airtel users receive the same advanced AI tools as paid subscribers, with no restrictions or limitations. According to Perplexity.ai, the free Pro offer is identical to the paid version, with users enjoying the same level of access to AI capabilities.
“We take all concerns seriously and have thoroughly investigated these allegations,” said a Perplexity.ai spokesperson. “Our team has confirmed that Airtel users receive the same full Pro benefits as paid subscribers, with no reductions or limitations. We have not and will not offer a ‘Pro-Lite’ experience to any users, including those on Airtel.”
Perplexity.ai attributes any perceived differences in performance to network issues or browser compatibility problems, rather than any deliberate attempt to downgrade the service. The company has offered to work with affected users to resolve any technical issues and ensure they receive the full benefits of the Perplexity Pro service.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate online, with some users defending Perplexity.ai and others calling for the company to be more transparent about its service offerings. While some have expressed frustration with the perceived limitations of the free Pro offer, others have praised Perplexity.ai for its efforts to make AI more accessible to a broader audience.
As the debate continues to rage online, it remains to be seen whether Perplexity.ai will be able to quell concerns and reassure users that they are receiving the full benefits of the Perplexity Pro service. With the company’s reputation on the line, it is crucial that Perplexity.ai maintains transparency and takes steps to address any legitimate concerns.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Perplexity Pro and Airtel users highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency in the tech industry. As companies increasingly partner to offer premium services to a broader audience, it is essential that they prioritize user experience and maintain the highest standards of quality.
