Markets

Romoss Technology, a leading power bank maker, faces challenges. Numerous 3C certifications for its fast-charging power banks are suspended, with the official Douyin store removing power banks. A recall of over 490,000 power banks is underway due to potential overheating issues, leading to consumer concerns. The recall process, involving potentially problematic postal returns, has also raised further questions.

Former Ele.me CEO and logistics head Han Liu has been taken into custody. An internal investigation revealed “job-related crimes,” prompting Ele.me to report to law enforcement. Han Liu, who previously held positions at JD.com and Alibaba, became CEO in March 2024 and oversaw instant delivery before the incident in June 2025 at the Shanghai office. The company emphasizes adhering to its code of conduct.

Yum China is piloting “Q-Smart,” an AI-powered assistant for restaurant managers, designed to streamline operations. The hands-free system uses voice commands to aid with tasks like scheduling, inventory, and quality control, allowing managers to focus on customer service. It aligns with Yum China’s strategy to improve efficiency and the customer experience through technology. The company also launched a frontline innovation fund during its inaugural AI Day.

The refrigerator market is undergoing a consumer-driven transformation, moving from functionality to aesthetics. A leading brand achieved remarkable success with its “Mai Lang” refrigerator by embracing a “co-creation” approach. This model, featuring a warm color palette and slim design tailored to consumer preferences, quickly became the premium segment leader. The company continually incorporates feedback, with a new iteration promising extended freshness. This success validates the co-creation strategy as the future of the appliance industry.

Facing extreme heat, Chinese shopping malls are using giant digital displays to offer a virtual cooling experience. These screens feature animated fans and breezy visuals to create a sense of relief, attracting customers with visual illusions. This innovative marketing strategy aims to boost foot traffic and offers a moment of psychological comfort, generating varied reactions online, from amusement to skepticism.

Inspiration Energy Corp. is commencing an advanced remote sensing survey at its Rottenstone North Gold Project in Saskatchewan. Using Atomic Mineral Resonance Tomography (AMRT) technology, the company aims to identify prime drilling targets on the 4,512-hectare property, located adjacent to Ramp Metals Inc. Initial findings are expected soon. The project aims to leverage AMRT for detailed subsurface insights, ahead of an inaugural drilling program.

The extended “618” shopping festival saw a surge in consumers utilizing interest-free installment plans, reflecting a trend toward “efficient” spending. A 19% YoY increase in installment plan use was observed, fueled by government subsidies and merchant offerings. Longer-term plans saw higher adoption. This trend extends across various product categories, including electric vehicles, leading to sales growth. Regionally, financially aware areas like Guangdong and Zhejiang led in installment plan usage, with varying product preferences by region. This strategy benefits both consumers and merchants, boosting sales and market activity.

A public dispute has emerged between an Xpeng executive and a tech company concerning the durability of its smart glasses. The Xpeng executive corroborated user complaints on social media about audio distortion and repeated malfunctions, criticizing after-sales service. The glasses, launched in September 2023, aim for daily integration with features like notifications, but face scrutiny over their build quality.

HIVE Digital Technologies has surpassed 11 EH/s in Bitcoin mining hashrate, achieving 11.4 EH/s, ahead of schedule. This success, driven by the completion of Phase 1 in Paraguay, reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable expansion. HIVE aims for 25 EH/s by Thanksgiving 2025 and is expanding its Paraguay site utilizing renewable energy. The company’s investments also support local communities through job creation and infrastructure development.

Unicom Online showcased its AI-powered smart home innovations at MWC Shanghai, focusing on seamless integration of technology into daily life. Key offerings include the AI-driven ZhiJia TongTong smart voice control device (learning, security, communication), YunZhi devices leveraging cloud computing, the Unicom Cloud Disk storage service, intelligent phone services, and smart home security solutions, all aimed at enhancing convenience and user experience. The company continues to demonstrate its open approach to integrating artificial intelligence, and their desire to make technology accessible to every family.