Tobias

Taobao Flash Deals launched a RMB 50 billion subsidy program, leading to over 100% order growth for 589 brands on day one. Sectors like food, electronics, and apparel saw significant increases. Summer essentials, including heat-relief products and swimwear, are particularly popular. The initiative aims to boost consumer and merchant growth through coupons, red envelopes, and reduced commissions, fostering a collaborative consumption ecosystem.

American corporate leaders are increasingly open about AI’s potential to displace jobs. CEOs from Ford, JPMorgan Chase, and Amazon are predicting significant workforce reductions due to AI integration and automation. Experts suggest this shift reflects a growing private acknowledgment by executives of AI’s disruptive impact on human capital, with some warning that nearly all roles could be affected.

Xiaohongshu has officially denied rumors of an acquisition by Alibaba, labeling the speculation as “groundless.” This isn’t the first time such rumors have surfaced, with similar claims made in 2019. Xiaohongshu, founded in 2013, has seen its valuation reportedly surge to $26 billion, a significant increase from its previous $17 billion valuation at the end of 2023. Alibaba has not yet commented on the reports.

China is establishing national standards for non-invasive BCI medical devices, paralleling advancements in invasive BCI clinical trials. The BCI market is rapidly growing, with applications in healthcare, cognitive enhancement, and new human-computer interaction paradigms. Companies like Neuralink and Synchron are pushing boundaries, with widespread commercialization expected within five years. Micro-vision Holography is investing heavily in BCI, aiming to integrate it with robotics and quantum computing for diverse applications. BCIs are poised for significant growth and integration across multiple sectors.

Ultraman has launched its first official online flagship store on Tmall Global, marking its entry into the Chinese market. As Tsuburaya Productions’ sole authorized store in China, it offers 55 overseas products including collectibles and apparel. Future plans include introducing around 500 new Ultraman products over the next three years. Anticipated releases include anniversary series and merchandise for the new “Ultraman: Gaia’s Awakening.”

Dongshan Precision plans to acquire Taiwan’s Source Photonics for up to $850 million to expand its optical communications business. The deal, which aims to integrate Source Photonics’ vertically integrated operations and high-speed optical module capabilities, is pending approval from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. The Ministry has stated it has not yet received an application and will conduct a rigorous review, citing the need for an investment plan amendment.

Japan will introduce a controversial “Children and Childcare Support Levy” in April 2026 to address its declining birthrate. Individuals, including the unmarried and childless, may contribute up to ¥1,650 monthly for childcare support. While the contribution is universal, benefits are targeted at families, drawing parallels to maternity benefit contributions and fueling public debate over perceived fairness.

Intel, under CEO Pat Gelsinger, is reportedly shifting its strategy away from in-house glass substrate development towards external sourcing. This move aims to accelerate product innovation and streamline operations by focusing resources on core product lines. The change signifies a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing faster adoption of mature solutions through partnerships over pioneering new technologies independently. This strategic pivot is part of broader reforms to optimize business operations and enhance the company’s competitiveness.

Han Jianqi, Vice President at Cheetah Mobile, announced his departure after seven years. In a heartfelt social media post, he expressed gratitude to colleagues and leadership, including Chairman and CEO Fu Sheng and Vice President Xiao Jie. Han looks forward to exploring new opportunities and building on past collaborations.

HarmonyOS boasts a rapidly expanding ecosystem powered by over 780 partner SDKs across 21 domains. These SDKs are essential for developers, providing diverse functionalities and driving innovation in areas like security authentication, media, AI, and e-commerce. Recent showcases highlight the ecosystem’s vitality and collaborative spirit, enabling robust, secure, and intelligent applications for an “Internet of Everything” future.