Tobias

Ele.me launched the X3 AI-powered smart helmet for its delivery riders (“Blue Knights”), featuring an industry-first AI assistant (“Xiao E”) controllable via voice prompts. The helmet includes collision and posture detection, triggering rapid response in emergencies. It also introduces indoor mapping and navigation, initially covering 30 malls and expanding to 300 within six months, improving efficiency in complex environments. Riders can purchase the helmet at a discount or earn a free one, supported by Ele.me’s “Smart Equipment Care” initiative.

Yu Minhong announced the suspension of New Oriental’s livestreaming channels “Oriental Select Looking at the World” and “Yu Ni Tong Xing” for July 25th. This is to mourn the tragic deaths of six Northeastern University students who fell into a flotation tank at a copper-molybdenum mine on July 23rd. An instructor was also injured. Investigations reveal a possible deviation from the designated tour path and a lack of specific safety protocols for the large group visit.

Chinese authorities in Zhejiang Province warned against sophisticated telecom fraud after police in Tongxiang City rescued a woman, Ms. Li, from a scam. Fraudsters, posing as “Douyin customer service,” tricked her into installing a screen-sharing app, gaining control of her phone and linking her bank cards to online platforms. The scam began with a false claim about unwanted live-streaming fees. Police intervened, seizing the remotely controlled phone and preventing financial loss by removing the SIM card. Authorities emphasize similar scams target users across various platforms.

A debate sparked by tech blogger @Fenng centers on Zhejiang province’s initiative to reduce excessive PowerPoint use in government, aiming to combat unproductive “internal involution.” He criticizes wasted resources on superficial presentations and screens lacking genuine informational value. Tencent’s Zhang Jun argues the core problem is a culture of excessive reporting, suggesting a ban will simply shift the problem elsewhere. Zhejiang’s review of official PPTs and videos has shown early success, with one subdistrict reducing PPT/video volume and costs by over 70%.

Sam’s Club faces accusations of “shrinkflation” despite its massive daily revenue. Members are reporting diminished product quality, specifically citing a decline in the weight and durability of the private-label purple facial tissues. Customers have documented weight reductions of up to 8.2% in tissue packages purchased between 2022 and 2025. Disgruntled members question the lack of transparency regarding these changes and whether membership fees are truly being reinvested in product quality. A customer service representative only offered a refund.

DJI and Insta360, leaders in drones and panoramic cameras respectively, are intensifying their competition by entering each other’s core markets. DJI, dominating the drone sector with 70% market share, is launching its first panoramic camera, challenging Insta360’s 67.2% leadership. In response, Insta360 is entering the drone market. With saturated niche markets and increasing demand for aerial footage, this competition is expected to drive innovation and benefit consumers with better products and prices.

China’s *People’s Daily* advocates a shift from price wars to value-driven strategies for sustainable growth, criticizing “burning money” tactics as detrimental to long-term quality and innovation. The article emphasizes that focusing on customer satisfaction and technological advancements, supported by legal safeguards and industry collaboration, can foster healthy competition, benefit all stakeholders, and drive high-quality economic development. Initiatives are underway to curb “involutionary” competition and promote fair market practices.

On July 22nd, millionaire CEO Francois Christian Conradie, 39, was killed at the Gondwana Private Game Reserve in South Africa after being attacked by a bull elephant. Conradie, attempting to move the herd away from tourist areas, was gored and trampled. Witnesses described a brutal, brief attack. Conradie, head of a sports management firm, was known for his passion for elephants and conservation, holding degrees in zoology, business, and marketing. The reserve is investigating the incident and has requested privacy for Conradie’s family.

An Indian man, Hasvardhan Jain, was arrested for allegedly operating a fake embassy near New Delhi. He is accused of defrauding people with false overseas job offers and suspected money laundering. Jain posed as a “Baron” and ambassador of the micronation Westarctica, fabricating documents and possessing cash, diplomatic plates, and doctored photos with world leaders. The fake embassy contained nearly $55,000 in cash and other falsified credentials. Westarctica, an unrecognized entity, highlights the unusual aspects of international relations.

JD.com launched Seven Fresh Kitchen in Beijing, a new approach to food delivery amid intense market competition. It licenses signature dishes from established restaurants, handling ingredient sourcing, preparation, and delivery. This aims to address consumer concerns over “ghost kitchens” by providing transparent kitchens and focusing on quality. By partnering with restaurants and ensuring their profitability, JD.com leverages its supply chain and brand reputation to offer reliable, high-quality takeout, potentially changing the dynamics of the online food market. Initial response indicates strong consumer demand.