Perplexity has announced the general availability of its Personal Computer, a local AI agent application designed for Mac users. Launched on Thursday, the software marks a significant shift from cloud-only processing to on-device integration, aiming to replicate the functionality of tools like OpenClaw while addressing associated security concerns. Although the feature was initially restricted to Perplexity Max subscribers and waitlisted users, it is now accessible to all Mac owners through the new Perplexity Mac app, provided they hold a Pro or Max subscription. The core purpose of Personal Computer is to empower users to delegate complex, multi-step workflows to AI agents directly on their own hardware. Unlike previous iterations that operated solely in the cloud, this version grants agents the ability to access local files, native Mac applications, and web connectors. The system orchestrates these tools within a secure development environment hosted by Perplexity, allowing the AI to handle tasks such as cross-app file comparisons, data extraction from notes, and document drafting without requiring direct, risky permissions on the user's machine. This release addresses growing demand for local AI agents that can operate autonomously on personal devices. While competitors like OpenClaw gained attention for similar capabilities, they faced criticism regarding elevated permissions and potential security risks. Perplexity positions Personal Computer as a safer alternative by maintaining a secure sandbox environment while still enabling broad interoperability. The software supports over 400 connectors and can function alongside Perplexity's Comet web browser to manage web-based tools. The application is optimized for always-on devices like the Mac Mini, allowing users to remotely initiate tasks or approve requests via their iPhones. Perplexity envisions the tool assisting with a wide range of professional duties, including spreadsheet management and project coordination across multiple platforms. To streamline development, the company plans to deprecated its older Mac application in the coming weeks, focusing resources entirely on the new Personal Computer interface. The new app is currently available for direct download and is not yet listed in the Mac App Store. As the feature becomes standard for all users, it represents a major step in Perplexity's strategy to bring advanced, personalized AI capabilities directly to the desktop ecosystem, blurring the lines between local automation and cloud intelligence.