Stockholm-based Lovable has hit over $100 million in annualized revenue in just eight months by using AI to enable millions of non-coders to instantly turn their ideas into websites, apps and online side hustles. (Photo: Sebastian Nevols for Forbes) https://t.co/3IRXFpPA2D https://t.co/akNlPLMSAB ...

Exclusive: Japanese app SmartNews, once valued at $2 billion, has hired banks for a Tokyo listing slated for as early as next year, people familiar with the matter say https://t.co/6S19EFO077 ...

Core Insights - The AI astrology apps Starla and Astra have successfully entered the top 10 of the iOS download charts in the U.S., with Starla achieving a peak daily download of 110,000 and Astra surpassing 100,000 downloads shortly after [1][2] - Starla generated approximately $2.18 million in revenue from June 10 to June 28, while Astra's revenue increased from around $300,000 to approximately $400,000 in June [4] - Both apps utilize a "Soulmate" feature that appeals to users' desires for connection, leveraging personalized and visually engaging content to drive user engagement and monetization [16][22] Group 1: App Performance - Starla's downloads began to surge around June 10, peaking on June 21, while Astra's growth started a few days later [2] - Despite dropping out of the top 10, both apps maintain high download volumes [2] - Starla's revenue growth is attributed to its effective monetization strategy, with a significant portion of users opting for paid subscriptions [4][22] Group 2: User Experience and Features - Both apps share similar UI designs and functionalities, focusing on personalized astrology readings and relationship insights [5][8] - The AI-driven experience offers a 1-on-1 interaction model, but user feedback indicates that the responses can be generic and lack depth [12][31] - The "Soulmate" feature generates a fictional representation of a user's ideal partner based on astrological data, which has proven to be a key driver for user engagement and revenue [14][16] Group 3: Market Trends and User Behavior - There is a growing trend among young adults seeking deeper connections, as traditional dating methods have become less effective, leading to increased interest in astrology and tarot [23][29] - The loneliness epidemic, particularly among young and unmarried individuals, has heightened the appeal of apps that promise to help users find their "Soulmate" [25][29] - The decline in face-to-face social interactions has contributed to a rise in the popularity of astrology and tarot among younger demographics, with about 40% of young Americans engaging with these practices annually [29]

Privacy-focused app maker Proton sues Apple over alleged anticompetive practices and fees | TechCrunch https://t.co/FiJFN2FEeo ...