Tobias

Xiaomi aims for a strong YU7 SUV launch, targeting 120,000 pre-orders in 72 hours. Sales staff across approximately 300 stores are assigned individual pre-order quotas. The YU7, launching June 26th, offers three variants with single or dual-motor options, boasting impressive performance figures and advanced driver-assistance features. CEO Lei Jun downplayed price inflation rumors, highlighting its value proposition against competitors.

The popular modding site Nexus Mods (N网) has been acquired by a new owner, Chosen, marking a significant change for the platform. Founded in 2001, N网 has become a hub for game modifications. The acquisition raises concerns about the site’s future, given the new owners’ affiliations with commercial ventures and the financial pressures the site faced under its original founder.

The foldable smartphone market faces a slowdown in 2024-2025, with a potential single-digit decline anticipated after years of rapid growth. However, the market is anticipating Apple’s entry, rumored for 2025, which could reshape the landscape. Supply chains also see significant potential, with Apple’s involvement stimulating growth across various component sectors and potentially driving further innovation.

iFLYTEK has upgraded its AI Learning Machine with enhanced AI-driven personalized learning, Q&A tutoring, and interactive lessons. These updates, including a new diagnostic tool and expanded subject coverage, aim to customize learning experiences across grade levels. The summer launch also features new curricula aligned with educational standards and 16 feature upgrades, like AI textbooks and stress relief tools, to transform student learning. These enhancements are free for existing users.

Reports indicate that Nanjing-based chip designer, a DPU leader, is facing severe financial difficulties. Allegations from former and current employees include unpaid salaries, uncompensated layoffs, and withheld bonuses, starting in March. The company’s 2023 plan to spin off EDA and DPU operations, coupled with high R&D costs, and equity pledges in April 2024, may be contributing factors.

At the 2025 Summer Davos, JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong confirmed he will attend a Jiangsu City Football League (Su Chao) match. JD.com, a strategic league partner, has invested heavily in Suqian, Liu’s hometown. The company’s commitment includes event marketing, public fitness, and broadcast production. The Suqian team, currently in fifth place, is playing on June 29th, with expectations of Liu’s attendance adding further interest. JD.com’s investment in Suqian exceeds RMB 20 billion.

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, fired two former employees and withheld bonuses for violating ethics policies. An internal memo revealed a conflict of interest involving undisclosed relationships and false statements during the investigation. The ex-wife of one employee publicly thanked ByteDance for its handling of the situation, which stemmed from social media allegations concerning infidelity and abuse of power.

Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 electric vehicle is generating intense market anticipation. Pre-emptive rental offers are appearing on secondary platforms, with daily rates potentially reaching 6,000 yuan, exceeding those of luxury cars like the BMW M5 and Bentley Flying Spur. Early adopters are anticipating high demand, mirroring the SU7 launch where initial rental prices were also high. However, experts predict significant early price volatility.

Xiaomi is preparing for a major expansion, with its upcoming YU7 SUV set to be a primary focus. The new vehicle is anticipated to launch soon, assembling at an existing factory and the forthcoming second phase of its manufacturing base. Internal sources report increased activity, and suppliers are working extra hours. Despite potential concerns, CEO Lei Jun expects both the YU7 and SU7 sedan to thrive, with early price speculation circling $25,000. Exhibition model deliveries are already underway.

At CVPR 2025, Kuaishou’s Kling AI division presented advancements in video generation and world model research. Their work focuses on improving model architectures, enhancing user control, establishing robust evaluation methods, and developing multimodal understanding. Key innovations include efficient scaling laws, novel Mixture of Experts architectures, a unified framework for spatiotemporal control, and frameworks for interactive and controllable video creation. The team’s research, highlighted across seven papers, aims to significantly advance video creation capabilities.