Tobias

A Weibo hashtag “HarmonyOS Grand Hotel” is trending in China, spotlighting unique perks for Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) EV owners. Users are sharing photos of elaborate meals offered at HIMA authorized user centers. HIMA’s Weibo account encouraged car owners to “come home for a meal,” showcasing culinary offerings. These centers provide free charging, car washes, maintenance, and complimentary dining, enhancing the ownership experience. This strategy aims to build brand loyalty in China’s competitive EV market by transforming traditional service centers into comprehensive hubs.

An investigation reveals potential double standards in the restaurant industry, where some establishments allegedly use premium ingredients for dine-in customers while offering cheaper alternatives to delivery orders. This disparity, fueled by a lack of oversight and cost pressures, compromises food quality for delivery. The report highlights the need for industry regulation, transparent practices, and innovative solutions like “live kitchen streams” to ensure consistent quality and pricing, ultimately building consumer trust in the food delivery ecosystem.

China’s SAMR summoned executives from Ele.me, Meituan, and JD.com, emphasizing compliance with laws like the E-Commerce and Food Safety Laws. Regulators urged responsible practices, standardized promotions, and fair competition to foster a healthy ecosystem. This follows heightened competition in the on-demand delivery sector, with platforms launching promotional campaigns. Meituan’s instant retail order volume reached 150 million on July 12th. Meituan CEO Wang Putao expressed reluctance towards the ongoing “delivery war”.

A Shanghai court upheld the termination of an employee, Xu Xiaojiao, who publicly insulted her smoking boss on WeChat. Xu’s comments violated company policy against insulting behavior, as outlined in the employee handbook. The court ruled that her remarks exceeded mere uncivil language and rejected her claim for wrongful termination compensation, emphasizing the need for professional conduct, even online. The initial ruling to terminate Xu was validated.

Sony faces setbacks as Xperia 1 VII sales are globally suspended due to freezing problems. Simultaneously, the newly released WH-1000XM6 headphones are reportedly experiencing “broken hinge” issues. These product flaws pose a significant challenge for Sony’s reputation and may impact consumer confidence.

China’s online retail market experienced robust growth in the first half of 2025, driven by pro-consumption policies and evolving consumer trends. Key drivers include government stimulus boosting electronics sales, demographic-specific needs (e.g., “new elderly,” Gen Z), and a dual focus on value and premium products. AI-driven innovation, personalized experiences, and the integration of online and offline commerce are reshaping the market. Immediate retail is aiding in the recovery of physical locations, with new entrants like JD’s food delivery gaining significant market share.

Group streaming is evolving into a structured industry, offering diverse career paths for professionals in operations, content creation, and performance. Streamers like Shadow, Nick, and Qiqi highlight the industry’s dedication to talent development and professional production. They’ve found purpose and creative freedom, supported by meticulous rehearsals and specialized teams. While challenges like demanding schedules exist, the increasing platform regulations and genuine fan engagement are attracting more talent, dispelling previous stereotypes of suggestive content.

A vintage, EU-plated Škoda 1000 MB was spotted on a Shandong highway in China, sparking online discussion. Netizens were amused by the unlikely sight of the classic Czech car, adorned with various national flags, navigating Chinese roads. The incident raised questions about vehicle regulations, emissions standards, and China’s openness to foreign-registered vehicles. While the car may not meet modern emission standards, temporary import permits allow foreign vehicles on Chinese roads if they meet safety standards and obtain insurance.

In a recent interview, Valve’s Gabe Newell discussed the impact of AI, emphasizing the importance of both mastering existing AI tools and understanding their underlying principles. He believes AI can empower individuals, even those without extensive coding experience, to excel in development. While other gaming companies actively integrate AI, Valve adopts a more measured approach. Notably, Valve has used ChatGPT to solve matchmaking issues in their upcoming game “Deadlock,” showcasing AI’s practical application within the company. Newell highlights the synergistic relationship between AI application and understanding AI principles.

Taobao Flash Sale, with Ele.me, reports over 80 million daily orders, boosted by a 50 billion yuan voucher program. Xiaodiao Lishu Tang saw an 18% takeaway revenue increase through the platform by optimizing its online operations and service. The platform’s subsidy model helps restaurants like Xiaodiao Lishu Tang attract new customers and increase order volume without additional merchant costs. Experts encourage restaurants to embrace digital markets for additional revenue streams, focusing on long-term brand building over short-term pricing strategies.