DeepSeek Unveils Next-Gen AI: The $1T Disruptor Cutting Developer Costs
$1 T
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, known for its R1 model that shook global markets at $1 trillion, is preparing to launch its next-gen AI while cutting developer costs. In response, major players like OpenAI and Google may lower prices and accelerate AI releases to stay competitive. DeepSeek’s strategy focuses on affordability and innovation to gain an edge.
170 M
TikTok’s return to US app stores led to a surge in downloads, surpassing rivals like YouTube and Instagram. Meanwhile, RedNote, which briefly topped the charts, saw a 91% drop in downloads as TikTok reclaimed its dominance. With 170 million US users and millions of businesses on board, TikTok remains the leading force in social video and commerce.
25%
Google has launched a free tier of Gemini Code Assist, an AI tool that helps developers generate code efficiently. By driving mass adoption, Google aims to set an industry standard and build a future monetization strategy. With 25% of new code at Google already AI-generated, the company sees AI-powered coding as a key advantage. Businesses can leverage this cost-effective tool for product testing and development without expanding their teams.
72%
A recent survey by Valpak and PureSpectrum found that deals and discounts remain key drivers of consumer purchasing decisions. The top reasons shoppers switch retailers include low costs (65%) and coupons (45%), while the most requested offers are "buy one, get one free" (72%) and marked-down items (65%). Consumers prefer receiving deals via email (59%) and direct mail (49%), with personalized offers like loyal customer discounts (61%) and birthday deals (59%) being highly valued. In today’s market, price-conscious shoppers actively seek authentic savings, making strategic discounting more important than ever.
4M
As TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, Substack is expanding into video to attract creators seeking monetization beyond traditional social platforms. The startup now allows creators to post and monetize video content directly through its app, offering an alternative to algorithm-driven platforms. With over 4 million paid subscriptions and 50,000+ revenue-generating creators, Substack’s push into video signals a broader move beyond newsletters into a more sustainable $290 billion creator economy.
$40
Target and Champion are launching a 500-piece collection in August, featuring apparel, accessories, and sporting goods priced under $40. This multiyear partnership aims to boost Target’s apparel sales, particularly in performance wear, which has been a strong category. The collection will showcase exclusive fabrics, unique washes, and a redesigned Champion logo, with a varsity-inspired drop coming in September. This collaboration aligns with Target’s strategy to offer value and innovation while expanding Champion’s reach in the sportswear market.
93%
Walmart now offers same-day delivery to 93% of U.S. households, expanding its store-fulfilled network and competing with Amazon in the fast-shipping race. The retailer's Spark delivery platform uses geospatial technology to optimize coverage, extending delivery to 12 million more households. Over 30% of Walmart’s orders include express delivery, with demand spiking on key shopping days. The expansion, combined with improved operational efficiency, has also reduced Walmart’s delivery costs by 20% per order.