Perplexity takes on Claude Code and Anthropic reveals how its own teams use it internally

2025-07-07 · Source: Department of Product · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering, Project & Product Management · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

This intelligence brief highlights several key developments in AI and product management, including the emergence of "agentic" AI systems that automate multi-step tasks. Perplexity has launched "Perplexity Computer," a cloud-based digital worker designed to perform complex actions directly in a browser, challenging tools like Claude Code. Google's Opal has also received an update, transforming into an agentic workflow platform with memory and dynamic routing, capable of planning and executing multi-step tasks using Gemini 3 Flash. DoorDash and Google are exploring agentic task automation for food ordering, with DoorDash's CTO emphasizing the need for a compelling ecosystem for AI agents. Additionally, Cursor introduced a "Demo" feature for AI agents to record and share video of their work, facilitating review for non-engineers. A fictional memo, "The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis," went viral, speculating on AI's economic impact by eliminating human limitations in product choices.

Key takeaway

For product leaders evaluating AI integration, recognize that agentic AI is rapidly transforming development and user interaction. Your teams should explore tools like Perplexity Computer, Google Opal, and Cursor's new features to automate complex workflows and streamline feature review. Prioritize creating compelling ecosystems for AI agents, as they will increasingly influence consumer choices and internal operations, demanding adaptation to maintain competitive advantage.

Key insights

Agentic AI is shifting software development and product interaction from asking to doing.

Principles

• AI agents automate multi-step workflows.
• Visual design impacts AI product approachability.
• Technical debt hinders innovation.

Method

Google Opal enables describing goals and criteria for agents to plan and execute multi-step workflows using Gemini 3 Flash and automatically selected tools like Sheets or web search.

In practice

• Use Cursor's "Demo" for AI agent work review.
• Build Opal agents for market snapshots.
• Employ Gemini 3.1 Pro for animated SVGs.

Topics

• AI Agents
• AI Software Development
• Product Management
• Economic Impact of AI
• Generative AI Tools

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, Software Engineer

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• 🗞️ Perplexity just dropped Computer, a new system that handles complete workflows from start to finish. — AI agents are rapidly evolving to automate complex, multi-application workflows and software development tasks.
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Department of Product.