Markets

Faraday Future (FFAI) shared a business update from Founder and Co-CEO YT Jia, highlighting progress and future plans. Jia emphasized blockchain integration into the US financial system and teased a major strategic upgrade on August 16th at Pebble Beach, unveiling the second chapter of FF’s “Bridge Strategy.” He cited a “Ten-Punch Combo” of transformations, the FX Super One launch with over 10,000 pre-orders, and progress in manufacturing and the FF and FX Bridge Strategy. Improvements in cash flow and a partnership with HabitTrade were also noted.

The 2025 China International Digital Entertainment Congress (CDEC) summit, held alongside ChinaJoy in Shanghai, focused on “Gathering New Quality Productivity and Catalyzing Global Resonance.” Speakers emphasized the importance of sustained technological innovation and leveraging gaming’s role in AI development. Tencent highlighted its long-term R&D investments and the impact of AI on gaming, from production to user experience. The Congress also explored how gaming technology can promote “Tech for Good” initiatives across various sectors.

Bilibili (B Site) has launched an AI-powered “Original Voice Translation” feature, revolutionizing cross-lingual content accessibility. This technology recreates content creators’ unique vocal characteristics in translated audio, focusing on accuracy, voice replication, and lip-sync. Currently supporting Chinese and English, the platform plans expansion to nearly ten languages. This innovation aims to dismantle language barriers, benefiting both content creators and viewers by delivering a more seamless and culturally nuanced experience. Industry analysts consider this a benchmark in long-form video platform technology.

Influencer Xu Kaiying, known as “Tyrannosaurus Teresa” with over 7.5 million followers, has been admitted to Fudan University’s non-full-time MBA Class of 2025. Xu achieved a score of 223 on the entrance exam, exceeding the national benchmark. She prepared by taking a three-month break from her online activities. Xu encouraged her followers to embrace learning, stating that if she could succeed, they could too.

In Dexing City, China, a man identified as Mr. Cheng was detained for smashing pedestrian traffic lights after becoming enraged by the signal timing. He confessed to throwing stones at the lights due to frustration over waiting time. The incident, which occurred on July 30, 2025, has led to administrative detention for Cheng and liability for repair costs. The case has sparked online debate, with netizens advocating for stricter penalties to prevent similar acts of “pedestrian road rage” and deter destruction of public property.

Zepp Health’s Q2 2025 earnings reveal a strong rebound, with revenue surging to US$59.4 million, a 46.2% year-over-year increase, surpassing company forecasts. Losses narrowed significantly, with GAAP net loss at US$7.7 million and adjusted net loss at US$6.16 million. The company projects Q3 2025 revenue between US$72 million and US$76 million, a 70-79% year-over-year increase. Key to this growth is the Amazfit brand, driven by new products like the Balance 2 and Helio Strap, and boosted by athlete endorsements and effective marketing.

Soaring temperatures in South Korea are driving up the prices of essential agricultural products. Watermelon prices jumped 17.6% to $25.50 USD, while napa cabbage, a key ingredient in kimchi, has surged 68% in a month. The price hikes have sparked online discussions, with some noting the disparity with cheaper watermelon prices in other countries, leading South Korean tourists abroad to prioritize enjoying the fruit.

Weibo CEO Gaofei Wang credited AI for diagnosing his near-fainting episode after drinking day-old Vitamin C water. Experiencing low blood pressure, he consulted AI with his symptoms, which identified potential reflex hypotension. Wang recovered after consuming sugary soda and rehydration salts. The incident sparked debate online, with some praising AI’s diagnostic abilities and others cautioning against prioritizing AI over professional medical advice.

A woman, Ms. Zhang, and her friend were stopped from taking photos in the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai lobby while wearing Lolita dresses. A manager allegedly deemed their attire “inappropriate” and asked them to leave, citing “discrimination.” Ms. Zhang, who found others wearing similar outfits photographed at the hotel, requested written dress code regulations, which were not provided. She is now seeking a public apology from the luxury hotel, which lacks a clearly defined dress code on its website.

Steam’s recent removal of adult games highlights the growing influence of payment processors on content availability. An advocacy group pressured these processors, citing concerns about exploitation, leading Steam to restrict content to avoid revenue loss, mirroring Pornhub’s experience. This action sparked debate about censorship and the power of payment processors, impacting content creators and potentially broader digital freedoms. Gamers have launched a counter-petition, while some reports face censorship, underscoring the controversy’s magnitude. Even Elon Musk has weighed in, hinting at a new payment solution.