Del Monte's bankruptcy | Amazon's 1 million robots | Perplexity's $200/mo plan | Xbox layoffs

3rd July 2025

🌟 Welcome to the latest edition of Top249 🤩 

We're here to keep you updated on AI, tech, and business news and articles, so you can save time and focus on learning and growth.

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AI & Tech Frontier

Perplexity launches a $200 monthly subscription plan

• Perplexity introduced a $200/month subscription targeting enterprise and power users.

• The plan includes faster AI response times, API priority, and advanced personalization.

• It’s designed for researchers, analysts, and professionals needing high-performance AI tools.

Amazon Now Has 1 Million Robots Steadily Pushing Humans Out

• Amazon now operates over 1 million robots in its logistics and fulfillment centers.

• Robots handle tasks like sorting, packing, and transporting goods to boost efficiency.

• The milestone signals a broader shift toward reducing reliance on human labor.

OpenAI says Robinhood’s tokens aren’t equity in the company

• OpenAI is in discussions with Robinhood to explore AI-based financial tools or tokens.

• The collaboration aims to make AI-generated market insights accessible to retail investors.

• Details are limited, but the move suggests deeper AI integration into consumer finance.

Amazon to shut down Freevee streaming TV service in August

• Amazon plans to revamp its Freevee streaming platform with a new user interface.

• It aims to expand original content and attract more ad-supported viewership.

• The update is part of Amazon’s push to compete in the free streaming market.

Business Briefs

Why is Del Monte bankrupt? 138-year-old brand seeks buyer in Chapter 11 filing

• Del Monte, the 138-year-old canned food brand, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to shifting consumer preferences and financial struggles.

• The company cites rising production costs and declining demand for packaged goods in favor of fresher, healthier alternatives as key challenges.

• As part of the filing, Del Monte is actively seeking a buyer to restructure and revive its iconic brand under new ownership.

Lovable on track to raise $150M at $2B valuation

• Swedish startup Lovable is nearing a $150 million funding round.

• The round would value the company at around $2 billion, up from its previous valuation.

• In May, Lovable CEO Anton Osika tweeted that Lovable hit $50 million in ARR in six months.

Datadog stock jumps 10% on tech company’s inclusion in S&P 500 index

• Datadog shares jumped after being added to the S&P 500 index.

• The inclusion boosts visibility and investor interest, often leading to price gains.

• The move reflects Datadog’s strong performance in cloud monitoring and observability.

Xbox Hit With Layoffs and Game Cancellations as Microsoft Cuts 9,000 Jobs

• Microsoft is laying off around 9,000 employees, impacting multiple divisions including Xbox.

• Several in-development games have been canceled as part of the restructuring.

• The cuts reflect ongoing efforts to streamline operations post-Activision acquisition.

Hidden Gems / Learn & Grow

Distributed systems readings list

• A list covering all the important topics in distributed systems

Till next time.