Perplexity launches local AI agent that keeps data off the cloud

Perplexity on Tuesday launched Portable Computer, a new version of its agentic AI platform designed to run entirely on a user's own hardware, sending data to the cloud only with explicit permission. The product represents a push toward privacy-conscious AI at a time when most assistants route all queries through remote servers.

How It Works

Portable Computer packages a local AI model, inference engine, agent tools, app connectors, and a sandboxed code execution environment into a single system that operates on the user's machine. Every task begins locally. If the on-device model encounters a step requiring more advanced reasoning, it asks the user for permission before routing that specific step to a cloud-based frontier model. Files and sensitive data can remain on the device throughout.venturebeat+2

At launch, users can choose between a 27-billion-parameter Qwen model or Perplexity's own post-trained variant, PPLX 27B, with Nvidia's Nemotron 3.5 Lightning expected to follow. Users can also bring their own model and inference server. Locally completed work does not consume billing credits — only cloud-routed steps count toward usage.tomsguide

Hardware and Availability

The software requires Nvidia hardware with at least 24GB of VRAM. It launches first on Linux, supporting Nvidia DGX Spark as well as machines running DGX OS or Ubuntu on ARM or x64 hardware. Windows support is scheduled for September, while macOS availability has not been announced.zdnet+1

Portable Computer is available to Perplexity Pro, Max, Enterprise Pro, and Enterprise Max subscribers. Perplexity developed the product in partnership with Nvidia ↘ 0.29%, building on the DGX Spark desktop supercomputer platform.venturebeat+1

Privacy vs. Practicality

The hybrid routing model attempts to solve a tension in local AI: smaller on-device models can handle straightforward tasks like extracting information from PDFs or running shell commands, but they struggle with complex reasoning that large cloud models handle well. Rather than forcing users to choose between privacy and capability, Portable Computer lets the system escalate selectively — but only with user approval.tomsguide

The hardware requirements mean this initial release is most relevant to AI enthusiasts, developers, and enterprises that already own high-end Nvidia systems rather than typical consumers. Still, as Tom's Guide noted, the product "offers a glimpse of what a more private AI assistant could look like once the hardware needed to run one becomes easier to afford."tomsguide