Tobias

A parking dispute in Qingdao, China, escalated when a woman’s car was vandalized after being parked overnight on a street used by vendors. The woman, acknowledging potential parking violations, condemned the property damage. The incident, now under investigation, highlights tensions between residents, informal businesses, and urban regulations. Online debates reflect differing views on parking rights, vendor livelihoods, and the legality of property damage, raising concerns about balancing urban needs and enforcing the law.

Xpeng Motors announced Xu Yizhen, a popular short drama actress, as a new owner of the Xpeng G7, a mid-size SUV launched in July. A promotional video features Xu testing the G7’s features, including its air conditioning, which the company claims outperforms Tesla’s in cooling speed and ventilation. CEO He Xiaopeng personally delivered the car, emphasizing the spacious interior and large cargo area. The partnership highlights Xpeng’s marketing strategy and the growing influence of short-form video in China.

The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) showcased a shift in focus from Large Language Models (LLMs) to embodied intelligence, particularly humanoid robots. The event, touted as the “largest WAIC ever,” featured over 800 exhibitors. While humanoid robots drew huge crowds and high ticket prices, some insiders noted a “playing it safe” approach, prioritizing fundraising over groundbreaking innovation. LLM companies, while still present, appeared more subdued, focusing on practical applications and revenue generation, with many aiming for “¥1 billion in revenue.” Concerns linger about a potential bubble, especially in embodied intelligence.

A public dispute has erupted in China’s tech sphere after iFlytek Chairman Liu Qingfeng’s skepticism about Elon Musk’s AI understanding was questioned online. A Xueqiu user criticized Liu’s remarks, prompting hedge fund manager Dan Bin to rebuke Liu’s perceived arrogance. This incident follows Dan Bin’s history of outspoken commentary and public disagreements within the finance and tech industries, including past controversies involving investments and market views.

The 2025 Open Atom Open Source Ecology Conference in Beijing spotlighted open source’s role in industry. Topway Info & Communication and Kaihong Zhigu showcased their contributions, receiving the “Open Source Pioneer Enterprise” award. They launched the OpenHarmony Co-construction Map 4.0 and participated in talent development initiatives. Kaihong Zhigu also joined the OpenHarmony AI Agent TSG, aiming to integrate AI with the operating system. They presented on “AI + Harmony” applications across education and transportation.

JD.com launched its 2026 campus recruitment program, aiming to hire 35,000 individuals, including 20,000 graduates and 15,000 interns. Recruits will participate in a “Five-Year Growth Plan” with personalized development. JD.com emphasizes unrestricted promotions and has consistently increased compensation and incentives. Notably, the company is investing 7 billion RMB in apartments for young professionals in Beijing, with free accommodation for qualifying interns, demonstrating its commitment to attracting and retaining talent.

Luxury flash sales are booming, driven by consumers seeking accessible high-end goods. Platforms like VIP.com offer steep discounts on items like Burberry handbags during limited-time events, attracting value-conscious shoppers. The scarcity of these deals triggers a FOMO effect, as evidenced by increased “favorites” before sales even begin. Private sales already represent a significant portion of the global fashion market, with off-price sales predicted to outpace full-price sales. Experts emphasize the need for robust supply chain management to ensure the sustainable success of this trend.

Intel plans to spin off its Network and Edge (NEX) business unit, a division developing network and communication chips with $5.8 billion in revenue in 2024. This strategic realignment signifies a pullback from competing with Nvidia in the communication chip market. NEX, with thousands of employees globally, including 400 in Israel, will become an independent entity focused on silicon solutions for communications, networking, and Ethernet connectivity. The move signals Intel abandoning its pursuit of a vertically integrated offering of AI hardware and software, similar to Nvidia’s model with Mellanox.

Social media influencer Zhang Jingwen, known as “Shining Little Wen,” passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 20, after battling late-stage gastric cancer. The Shandong University student, diagnosed in 2024, documented her fight online. Gastric cancer, often detected late due to symptoms mimicking common ailments, can lead to rapid decline. The importance of early medical evaluation for persistent gastrointestinal issues is emphasized.

Jeff Bezos has completed the sale of 25 million Amazon shares, netting roughly $5.7 billion, according to an SEC filing. The sales, part of a prearranged plan initiated earlier this year, concluded on July 24th. Bezos’s divestitures coincided with his recent wedding in Venice. Amazon’s stock has risen 38% since late April. He has a history of selling Amazon stock to fund ventures like Blue Origin and plans to sell more shares before January 2025. Bezos currently ranks third on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.