Hi Synapticians!

Perplexity just unveiled “Perplexity Max,” a $200-per-month power tier that gives subscribers unlimited use of Labs (its spreadsheet- and report-builder), priority access to frontier models like OpenAI o3-pro and Claude Opus 4, plus early entry to its forthcoming AI browser, Comet.

The timing matters. Perplexity’s core edge has always been real-time web search, but that moat is eroding fast: OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT Search to all users on February 5 and Anthropic made web search a default feature for every Claude plan on May 27. With the giants now offering the very capability Perplexity pioneered, a high-margin “Max” tier isn’t a vanity upsell, it’s fuel to keep the lights on and compete.

The company’s numbers hint at the pressure. Perplexity hit an estimated $80 million ARR early this year but still burned about $65 million in 2024, largely on cloud and model-licensing costs, and has flirted with a $14 billion valuation while raising fresh capital. In other words, Max revenue may spell the difference between “search challenger” and “also-ran” in a market where Google, OpenAI and Anthropic keep turning the screws.

Here’s the rest of the news about AI today:

• CyXcel's research reveals that 29% of UK businesses have only recently implemented AI risk strategies, with 31% lacking AI governance policies

• Google has launched its Veo 3 video generation model globally, available to AI Pro plan subscribers

• A study shows AI could reduce global carbon emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes annually by 2035

Top AI news

1. Perplexity Introduces $200 Monthly Subscription Plan
Perplexity has launched a $200 monthly subscription plan called Perplexity Max, targeting power users with unlimited access to advanced tools and early feature access. This move aims to strengthen its position in the competitive AI search market, where it faces competition from giants like Google and OpenAI. Read online 🕶️

2. A Third of UK Businesses at AI Risk
CyXcel's research reveals that 29% of UK businesses have only recently implemented AI risk strategies, with 31% lacking AI governance policies. This leaves them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, including data breaches and operational disruptions. The study highlights the need for comprehensive risk management solutions like CyXcel's DRM platform. Read online 🕶️

3. Google's Veo 3 Video Model Launches Globally
Google has launched its Veo 3 video generation model globally, available to AI Pro plan subscribers. It allows users to create 8-second videos from text prompts, with a limit of three videos per day. Future updates may include image-to-video capabilities. Read online 🕶️

4. AI's Role in Reducing Global Carbon Emissions
A study shows AI could reduce global carbon emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes annually by 2035, focusing on power, meat, and vehicles. AI's role is crucial in transforming these sectors for a sustainable future. Read online 🕶️

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