Markets

Intuit QuickBooks introduces new features including faster payments, AI-powered bank feed, automated depreciation methods, and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) enhancements. QuickBooks Payments enables one-click invoice payments, while AI streamlines bank transaction categorization. Automated depreciation supports reducing balance methods. CIS improvements automate subcontractor statement sending and HMRC verification. These updates aim to simplify financial workflows, improve accuracy, and free up time for businesses and accountants, reflecting Intuit’s commitment to innovation and customer feedback.

At WAIC 2025, HiDream.ai unveiled advancements in multimodal agent technology for content creation, aiming for a productivity revolution. Their approach prioritizes practical application via a “MaaS-SaaS-RaaS” commercialization system, offering services ranging from foundational models to ready-made content. Technical leaps in their multimodal foundation model provide semantic consistency, precise control, and high image quality. Agents like Vivago and HiClip streamline content creation, tackling homogeneity in short videos and distribution inefficiencies in long-form videos.

iFlytek’s Spark Large Model (X1) now supports 130+ languages, outperforming GPT-4.1 in key languages, according to iFlytek. Its voice model excels in speech recognition (100 languages) and synthesis (55 languages), surpassing Whisper V3. Future development focuses on multimodal data fusion, native multilingual speech models, and cross-language knowledge transfer. iFlytek supports 120 million devices for companies like Huawei, BYD, and Haier in 23 languages, aiding global expansion. The company provides 813 AI interfaces, including 272 for multilingual applications, to 530,000 developers worldwide.

China Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. was officially established in Chongqing on July 29th as a state-owned automotive giant. With a registered capital of 20 billion yuan and Zhu Huarong as legal representative, the company aims to become a globally competitive automotive group with proprietary core technologies. The launch has attracted significant attention, including congratulations from Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, who pledged collaboration to advance China’s automotive industry.

Ericsson announced the completion of equity investments by twelve CSPs into Aduna, establishing it as a 50:50 joint venture operational since September 2024. Aduna aims to aggregate and commercialize network APIs globally, fostering developer innovation through a unified platform. Its ecosystem includes CSPs, developer platforms, GSIs, CPaaS providers, and ISVs. This collaborative effort, leveraging Ericsson’s network platform and the partners’ telecom expertise, seeks to avoid fragmentation in network API development and drive industry growth.

Influencers on short-form video platforms are exploiting anti-gaming sentiment by amplifying parental anxieties about video games and screen time. They position themselves as “family education experts” and sell expensive “internet addiction” programs, some costing upwards of $66,800 for seven days. Investigations reveal that these influencers often lack proper qualifications, raising concerns about the validity and ethics of their services and highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable parents.

Relief Therapeutics will merge with NeuroX, the successor to MindMaze, in a deal valuing Relief at CHF 100M and NeuroX at CHF 1B. Relief shareholders will own approximately 9% of the combined entity, focused on AI-based digital neurotherapeutics. NeuroX, which acquired MindMaze’s assets, brings a clinically validated platform with over $350M invested. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, pending approvals and customary conditions. The merger aims to create a publicly listed, AI-driven health tech enterprise.

Seres Group’s AITO M9 SUV executed the first documented satellite-enabled roadside rescue after a tire blowout in a remote area lacking cellular service. The M9’s integrated China Telecom satellite connectivity allowed the driver to contact roadside assistance, providing precise GPS coordinates. A rescue team, guided by satellite phone communication, successfully reached and aided the stranded driver. Huawei’s Li Xiaolong emphasized the importance of satellite communication, citing the P70 series’ capabilities, including Beidou messaging and Tiantong-1 calling, for emergency situations.

A dialogue between Zhang Xuefeng and Sina Finance’s CEO included Zhang’s reflections on his future legacy and potential epitaph. He envisions a trending Weibo topic upon his death and hopes his lectures will continue to inspire. On his tombstone, he’d write, “Life was so fun. I’m coming back next lifetime!” This reflects his drive, optimism, and desire for lasting impact beyond business success. His self-deprecating humor and past controversies invite reflection on ambition and the meaning of a well-lived life.

NWTN Inc. will hold its Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on August 12, 2025, both in person in Dubai and virtually. Shareholders as of July 16, 2025, can vote on key proposals, including a name change to “Robo.ai Inc.” and a board reshuffle featuring the removal of several directors and the nomination of a new independent director. Investors will also vote on adopting a Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. NWTN urges shareholders to review all SEC filings before voting.