Tobias

Social media rumors surfaced claiming tickets to Dangdang founder Li Guoqing’s wedding were being sold for 20,000 yuan ($2,800 USD), with opportunities for photos and videos with attendees. However, sources close to Li, and Li himself, have denied these claims, stating no tickets were issued or sold. This follows Li’s recent divorce settlement with his ex-wife after a seven-year legal battle. Li is set to marry Zhang Danhong in Beijing on August 16th, 2025.

GPT-5, OpenAI’s latest AI model, launched on August 8th, is generating significant attention. CEO Sam Altman compared its predecessors to students: GPT-3 as a bright but uneven high schooler, and GPT-4 as a college student. The specifics of GPT-5’s enhanced capabilities remain to be fully explored.

SMIC’s Q2 revenue reached $2.209 billion, a 16.2% YoY increase despite a slight QoQ dip. Net profit fell 19% YoY to $132.5 million, but capacity utilization rose to 92.5%. The average selling price (ASP) increase was attributed to high capacity utilization, not proactive price hikes. SMIC maintains a consistent stance against initiating price wars and will consider following competitors’ price increases if they occur. SMIC’s ASP remains significantly lower than TSMC’s due to its focus on less advanced nodes.

Leading Chinese foundries SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor reported strong Q2 earnings with double-digit revenue growth. SMIC’s revenue reached $2.209 billion, a 16.2% YoY increase, with a capacity utilization rate of 92.5%. Hua Hong’s revenue was $5.661 billion, up 18.3% YoY, achieving a 108.3% capacity utilization rate. Both companies project continued revenue growth for Q3. No price increases were noted by SMIC in Q2, attributing higher ASP to near full capacity operation.

Haier and Xingdong Era have launched “HIVA,” a household robot or “cyber butler.” Standing 165cm tall and boasting 44 degrees of freedom, HIVA navigates homes via 3D LiDAR and operates appliances with its five-fingered XHAND-Lite. It performs tasks like cleaning, laundry (washing, ironing, folding), and even cooking. This collaboration between Haier’s smart home ecosystem and Xingdong Era’s embodied intelligence aims to revolutionize home service robots, making them as commonplace as household appliances.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 redefines the foldable smartphone with its ultra-slim design and enhanced AI capabilities. Thinner and lighter than previous models, it boasts larger cover and main displays for improved multitasking. AI integration, informed by user data, streamlines interactions with features like Smart Drag and Drop and Real-time Window. Live Briefing provides personalized notifications, ensuring users stay informed without constant unfolding. The Z Fold7 represents a fusion of sleek design and intelligent technology.

In Xining, Cheng Shizhong is revitalizing Northwest China’s “Hua’er” folk music. He innovates performances, drawing large crowds and seeking new talent through the “Village Stage” initiative. As a Kuaishou influencer, he breaks barriers and spreads the musical heritage online. Cheng’s efforts, from outdoor live streams to talent searches, are aimed at preserving and promoting “Hua’er,” engaging youth & wider audiences, ensuring its future through community participation, talent discovery, and digital platforms.

India is resisting escalating trade tensions with the US after Washington’s tariff hike on Indian goods. Prime Minister Modi vowed to protect Indian farmers’ interests. The Ministry of External Affairs deemed the US tariffs “unfair” and pledged to protect national interests. Despite concessions already made by India, the US demands more access to India’s agricultural sector, a politically sensitive area. An opposition party member even suggested closing McDonald’s in India in response to the dispute and Trump’s claims regarding India-Pakistan relations.

Fat Dong Lai, a Chinese retail chain, plans to hire 1,000 employees for a new store in Xinxiang, allocating 20% of positions to veterans and 2% to ex-offenders. This initiative sparked online debate, with netizens discussing the merits and drawbacks. A local HRB official stated they were unaware of specific recruitment plans and deferred responsibility for clarification to Fat Dong Lai. Yu Donglai, the company’s founder, announced the plan on social media. The move raises questions about social responsibility and reintegrating former inmates.

OPPO is attracting attention with its new employee perk: sea-view apartments. The “OPPO Binhai Bay Advanced Talent Housing Project” provides over 4,100 units, accommodating approximately 11,000 residents in Dongguan. These apartments, some renting for under $210 USD per month, range in size from studios to three-bedroom units and boast comprehensive amenities, including leisure facilities and educational resources. This large-scale residential venture aims to attract and retain talent in a competitive tech market.