Tobias

Rumors circulated about DeepSeek’s R2 model launching in August after the model itself hinted at a release window. However, sources close to DeepSeek denied these claims. While internal testing is underway, CEO Liang Wenfeng is reportedly unconvinced by the model’s performance. Furthermore, Nvidia chip restrictions may have impacted DeepSeek’s computing power, potentially leading to resource strain and a suboptimal user experience upon release.

A man in Liaoning Province reported withdrawing two 100-yuan banknotes from an ATM that he suspected were counterfeit after failing to deposit them. The ATM flagged the bills as problematic. Bank employees also couldn’t deposit the bills. However, the bank clarified that the banknotes were not counterfeit but demagnetized. ATMs are sensitive to demagnetized currency, which the bank replaced for the customer. Demagnetized currency remains legal tender.

China has released its first national standard for product carbon footprint in the home appliance industry, GB/T 46027-2025, focusing on room air conditioners. Led by Midea Air Conditioning, the standard will standardize carbon emission tracking and support national carbon label certification, vital for achieving China’s “dual carbon” goals. Foshan City will pilot air conditioner carbon footprint label certification. Midea is at the forefront, having already released carbon footprint reports and EPDs, and contributing significantly to both national and international ESG standardization efforts.

A farewell letter reportedly signed by OPPO’s CEO Chen Mingyong is circulating online, sparking discussion about corporate culture. The letter expresses gratitude for the departing employee’s contributions and wishes them well, using metaphorical language. The employee also received their previous year’s bonus. Online reactions have been positive, praising OPPO’s respect for employees and the CEO’s class. A former OPPO employee also shared positive experiences from their time at the company.

An all-female rail inspection team is pioneering safety measures on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest altitude railway. Composed of women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including “Gen Z” members, the team uses advanced ultrasonic flaw detection technology from a specialized vehicle to identify internal defects in steel rails and weld seams. This proactive maintenance approach mitigates fracture risks in a region prone to extreme conditions. Overcoming the challenges of a male-dominated field and handling heavy equipment, the team sets a new standard for rail safety.

The U.S. maintains a strict stance on AI chip exports to China, particularly regarding advanced technology like Nvidia’s “Blackwell” chip. Former President Trump opposes its sale to China, citing national security concerns and the potential for accelerating Chinese AI development. He believes the U.S. holds a significant technological advantage in chip design. Nvidia’s CEO is expected to discuss export licenses, highlighting ongoing negotiations. While some argue restricting access could spur indigenous Chinese chip development, the U.S. aims to limit China’s access to cutting-edge AI capabilities.

At the 2025 World Robot Conference, 360 Group’s Zhou Hongyi playfully sparred with a Unitree robotic boxer. Video footage shows Zhou initiating the “fight,” even executing a leg trip. The robot, demonstrating resilience, recovered and exchanged blows. Zhou knocked the robot down multiple times, but it consistently recovered. Online commentators humorously noted the match, while some observed the potential for future robotic advancements, suggesting human challengers might face tougher competition in the future.

A recent “no-contact” traffic incident in Hubei, China, involving a scooter driver falling without colliding with a car, has sparked debate about liability. While the scooter driver was primarily responsible for violating traffic laws, the car driver (“YangYang”) received secondary responsibility for failing to yield, sparking controversy. Legal experts emphasize that liability in “no-contact” accidents depends on establishing a causal link between a party’s actions and the resulting damage, not necessarily physical contact. This case highlights the complexities of determining responsibility in such situations and the importance of demonstrating negligence.

Beijing is launching a program offering interest subsidies on individual consumer loans from September 2025 to August 2026. The subsidies, capped at ¥50,000 per transaction, target purchases in sectors like automobiles, elder care, education, tourism, home improvement, electronics, and healthcare. Borrowers can receive an annual 1% interest subsidy, up to 50% of the loan’s interest rate. Individuals are eligible for a cumulative subsidy of ¥3,000 per lending institution. The initiative aims to boost domestic consumption, sparking debate about consumer financing choices.

The hashtag “#EvilCultivation#” has exploded on social media, racking up over 450 million views. Originating from Chinese fantasy novels, “Evil Cultivation” refers to unconventional, often dark, self-improvement methods. Now, it’s a playful trend focused on simplifying life, from unorthodox cooking hacks using beverages and rice cookers to bizarre dieting and fashion shortcuts. While offering instant gratification, these methods face criticism for potentially sacrificing long-term well-being for quick results, reflecting a broader societal anxiety and the youth’s search for achievable goals.