Tobias

Aggressive promotions in the food delivery market benefit consumers but harm restaurants. Despite increased order volumes, restaurants report decreased profits and losses due to platform fees and subsidies. CCTV highlighted examples where restaurants barely break even or lose money on takeout orders. Many feel compelled to participate to stay competitive, even at a loss. Experts warn this “burn-to-acquire” strategy is unsustainable and risks compromising service quality. The practice offloads costs onto merchants and drivers, intensifying competition.

Meituan has launched “Ya Mi,” a niche restaurant review app positioned as a “boutique Dianping,” seemingly competing with its own Dazhong Dianping. Currently iOS-only and limited to Beijing, Ya Mi features a minimalist design, curated collections, and a hyperlocal “Moments” feed. Its key differentiator is the “Golden Spoon Restaurants” ranking system based on reviews from selected “Recommendation Officers,” aiming to combat fake reviews. The app prioritizes authenticity and taste over ambiance, with no immediate monetization plans, presenting a challenge to big tech business models. Its long-term viability hinges on maintaining quality content while scaling.

Chinese netizens engaged in a “Compression War,” competing to compress the film “NeZha 2” to the smallest possible file size. Starting from 50MB, enthusiasts progressively reduced the file to kilobytes, sacrificing visual quality. Techniques included lowering resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and color depth. Experiments with “Initial D” also explored extreme compression limits. The competition, dubbed “Pupil-Grinding Visual Reduction,” prioritized file size over usability, evolving into an absurd internet phenomenon.

Geely Auto’s Galaxy A7 was showcased at a recent event in Zhengzhou, highlighting its modern design, intelligent features, and efficient hybrid system. The mid-size sedan features a 15.4-inch central screen, HUD, and Galaxy NOS with Flyme Auto. Equipped with advanced ADAS, including Highway NOA and AEB, it boasts a 1.5-liter engine-based EM-i super hybrid system with a 47.26% thermal efficiency and a 2.67L/100km fuel consumption (CLTC). The A7 received over 10,000 pre-orders shortly after launch.

Haier has launched a static pressure air-bearing compressor, demonstrating its leadership in oil-free technology and advancing the industry towards scaled applications. This technology offers over 50% energy savings compared to traditional compressors and is protected by numerous patents. Following its success with magnetic levitation chillers, Haier aims to replicate that growth in the air-bearing chiller market, which benefits from a strong focus on green transformation. An industry alliance has been formed to accelerate the adoption of air-bearing technology.

Foshan, China, will pilot autumn and spring breaks for compulsory education starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, adding five extra days off for students. This initiative, aiming to reduce academic pressure in line with the “double reduction” policy, encourages social practice and limits homework during breaks. Schools will provide on-campus care. The autumn break is scheduled for November 2025, and the spring break will be around the May Day holiday. Several regions in China are exploring similar breaks, potentially indicating a national trend toward prioritizing student well-being.

Following U.S. approval of NVIDIA’s H20 AI chip export to China, Beijing reportedly summoned the company to discuss potential security risks, including alleged “backdoors.” NVIDIA denies these claims, but Chinese state media demands irrefutable proof of security. An exposé details potential hardware and software backdoor methods for remote shutdown and tracking, highlighting concerns over U.S. control of AI chip technology and its implications for Chinese data security and energy efficiency goals. The report suggests the H20 chip is neither secure nor environmentally friendly for China.

China’s food delivery platforms are engaged in intense subsidy wars, offering deep discounts to consumers and boosting order volumes. However, restaurants are struggling to profit, with some even losing money due to platform fees, delivery costs, and merchant-funded discounts. While consumers benefit from lower prices initially, experts warn this “burning money for market share” strategy is unsustainable and could compromise food quality and safety. Platforms and industry associations are now urging for fair competition and a return to value creation.

Alibaba’s Ali Small Number, a virtual number service launched in 2014, is shutting down due to security concerns and misuse for spam and illegal activities. The service allowed users to obtain virtual numbers without a physical SIM, offering privacy and protection from harassment. The closure has sparked frustration among users who relied on it for managing online accounts. Users are advised to identify and update accounts linked to their virtual numbers before the service is discontinued on October 31st. Official support offers limited assistance.

Elon Musk has voiced concerns about losing control of Tesla, citing his current 12.8% stake as insufficient to secure his position, especially with the company’s future robotics focus. He refuted claims of using Tesla stock as loan collateral. Musk aims for a 25% share to maintain strategic influence, highlighting the impact of stock option taxation on his voting control. His apprehension stems from the possibility of being ousted by activist shareholders after Tesla produces “millions of robots.”