Tobias

Microsoft secured a deal with the U.S. GSA, promising $3.1 billion in savings on cloud services for federal agencies. This aligns with the “OneGov” initiative, aimed at reducing government costs. The deal covers Office, Azure, Dynamics 365, and Sentinel, and includes free Copilot access for some users. GSA Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum cited seamless price switching and Microsoft’s desire to partner on AI adoption and gain market share from rivals like Amazon and Google. This agreement highlights Microsoft’s crucial role as a technology partner for the U.S. government.

SAP will invest €20 billion over the next decade to expand its sovereign cloud infrastructure in Europe, including IaaS and on-premise options. This initiative aims to address data sovereignty concerns and GDPR compliance by ensuring customer data remains within the EU. The move positions SAP to compete with Microsoft and Amazon while aligning with the European Commission’s focus on technological sovereignty and AI development. SAP is also involved in the EU’s “AI gigafactory” initiative.

The used EV market is booming, marked by significant depreciation, with Guazi Used Cars’ August 2025 report providing price benchmarks. EVs aged three years or less show discounts of up to 70%, with popular models available across various price brackets (under $10k to over $30k). Guazi leverages direct sourcing and offers a 200-point inspection, insurance history, secure payment, and a 100-day battery degradation guarantee, addressing transparency concerns in the used car industry and assuring buyers.

Social media influencer “Jiakang Ge” livestreamed what appeared to be his arrest for speeding in Florida, prompting immediate skepticism. Viewers questioned the authenticity, citing inconsistencies in police procedure and suggesting it was a publicity stunt for increased engagement. This wouldn’t be the first time “Jiakang Ge” has staged events for attention, raising concerns about credibility and highlighting the blurred lines between genuine content and manufactured narratives in the pursuit of online fame. The incident underscores the ethical challenges of content creation in the digital age.

Alvina Chan, a former rhythmic gymnast and doctoral student, won the 2025 Miss Hong Kong Pageant. Carman Shi, a derivatives trader, was the first runner-up, followed by Yvonne Yuen, an assistant manager from Shanghai. The pageant, themed “Do You Wanna Be…”, highlights the contestants’ diverse talents and aspirations, providing a platform for their future careers. The competition emphasizes ambition and adaptability.

Birmingham City fans are facing a surge in car vandalism, particularly “car stripping,” near St. Andrew’s stadium. A fan returning to his Peugeot 208 EV after a match found the entire front end stolen. This incident reflects a broader trend: vehicle crime doubles on home match days. Experts believe organized thieves target fan vehicles, quickly dismantling them for parts that are sold through illegal networks. The lack of deterrence and impunity felt by perpetrators are causing increasing frustration among fans.

Lenovo is launching its “Youth with AI, Smart Learning with Gifts” back-to-school campaign, highlighting its “Tianxi AI Family” of devices. These smartphones, tablets, and laptops are integrated with the Tianxi personal AI agent, designed to enhance student learning. An IDC report recognizes the positive user feedback and Lenovo’s runner-up position in PC Net Promoter Score. The campaign offers special pricing, bundles, and AI-driven features across devices like the Savior Y7000P 2025 AI laptop, Xiaoxin Pad Pro GT tablet, and moto razr 60 diamond edition phone.

The “Smart Convergence North Latitude · Chairman Forum” successfully connected AI innovators with capital. Haikejin Group engaged with companies from the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Community, exploring financing opportunities. Companies showcased AI advancements in industrial automation, aerospace imaging, cell drug development, and world model technology. Discussions focused on technological barriers, market prospects, and financing plans. Haikejin Group aims to provide full life-cycle financial services, potentially establishing a dedicated service point to support AI innovation and industrial growth. The event fostered government-bank-enterprise collaboration to boost the AI industry in Haidian District.

Alibaba’s Hong Kong shares surged over 19% driven by strong cloud computing results and AI chip development news. Cloud revenue grew 26% YoY, fueled by AI services, with AI-related product revenue experiencing triple-digit growth for the eighth consecutive quarter. The company’s investments in AI and its entrance into China’s competitive “instant commerce” market are viewed favorably despite temporary earnings pressure. Overall, positive sentiment followed a solid earnings report with significant net income increase and promising e-commerce revival signs.

Luckin Coffee launches its “Just Drink Origin” festival, reinforcing its dedication to sourcing premium ingredients. Actress Tang Wei returns as the “Luckin Coffee Global Origin Advocate,” promoting the initiative. Since 2023, Luckin has invested heavily in its “Global Bean Hunting Program,” establishing offices and partnerships in key coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia and Brazil. This vertical integration ensures quality control and strengthens Luckin’s supply chain for coffee beans, coconuts, and jasmine flowers, solidifying its market position and driving long-term growth.