Perplexity for Mac now helps MCP, and it is best to test it out

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The Perplexity app for macOS permits you to set off a keyboard shortcut to immediately carry up the immediate subject for a search. And now, it’s getting much more helpful due to the addition of MCP help. Right here’s what meaning, and why it is best to look into it.

What’s MCP once more?

MCP, or Mannequin Context Protocol, was proposed by Anthropic and is rapidly changing into the trade’s customary interface between AI programs and conventional platforms. In a nutshell, it desires to be the AI equal of what HTTP is to the online, or SMTP is to e-mail.

Since its announcement, MCP has been broadly adopted by firms and platforms like Zapier, Google, and Salesforce, and the result’s a common pathway for AI assistants to plug into APIs and information sources.

So Perplexity now helps MCP?

Sure, Perplexity’s Mac app now helps MCP, which implies you’ll be capable of plug into and use many on a regular basis apps by means of the Perplexity interface.

As an illustration, you’ll be capable of use Perplexity to look and edit your Apple Notes, create reminders, ship emails, pull information from Google Drive information, and so on.

However there’s a catch: since Mac App Retailer apps are sandboxed, you’ll want to put in the Perplexity Helper App to make it work.

Right here’s the step-by-step, as supplied by the corporate:

Open your account settings and click on on Connectors

Earlier than you possibly can add MCP Connectors, it’s a must to set up the helper software PerplexityXPC in order that Perplexity can securely hook up with your native MCP servers.

As soon as the Helper is put in, return to the Connectors settings and click on Add Connector

On the “Add Connector” web page, add an MCP Connector to the “Easy” tab

a. Add any identify for “Server Title”, for instance MCP for AppleScript

b. Add the command that’s used to run the MCP server

This may normally be discovered within the README of the MCP server. Learn the directions rigorously.

Be sure you have any necessities for the MCP server put in, for instance brew set up node should you want npx . Ask Perplexity should you want any assist putting in necessities in your pc.

Enter the command after putting in necessities. For instance, for https://github.com/joshrutkowski/applescript-mcp the command is npx -y @peakmojo/applescript-mcp

Click on “Save” and await the MCP server to point out “Operating” standing within the Connectors checklist. Be sure the MCP server is operating.

Go to the Perplexity homepage and toggle your MCP on beneath “Sources”

Check your MCP server: Ask a brand new command in Perplexity that references the MCP server like “verify my mac calendar”. This could run one of many MCP server’s instruments and immediate you for affirmation.

Perplexity additionally printed a few movies that present how one can add connectors, after which use the MCP integration:

In its assist web page, the corporate has a bit devoted to a couple integrations which you can begin with. However beware: as the corporate additionally notes, customers must be cautious when counting on open-source tasks for his or her integrations. Whereas many tasks are secure and helpful, there may be removed from an common rule.

So be sure to know what you’re doing, and, when doubtful, learn by means of and take part in group discussions earlier than opening up entry to your information.

Do you employ MCP servers? Do you’ve a favourite integration? Tell us within the feedback.