Markets
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US Chip Backdoor Techniques Exposed: Soft and Hard Methods Target Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA
Following U.S. approval of NVIDIA’s H20 AI chip export to China, Beijing reportedly summoned the company to discuss potential security risks, including alleged “backdoors.” NVIDIA denies these claims, but Chinese state media demands irrefutable proof of security. An exposé details potential hardware and software backdoor methods for remote shutdown and tracking, highlighting concerns over U.S. control of AI chip technology and its implications for Chinese data security and energy efficiency goals. The report suggests the H20 chip is neither secure nor environmentally friendly for China.
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Making Business Harder: Experts Uncover the Food Delivery War as a Capital-Driven, Market-Share-Burning Endgame
China’s food delivery platforms are engaged in intense subsidy wars, offering deep discounts to consumers and boosting order volumes. However, restaurants are struggling to profit, with some even losing money due to platform fees, delivery costs, and merchant-funded discounts. While consumers benefit from lower prices initially, experts warn this “burning money for market share” strategy is unsustainable and could compromise food quality and safety. Platforms and industry associations are now urging for fair competition and a return to value creation.
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Alibaba’s Xiaohao App Shut Down, Leaving Countless Users Frustrated
Alibaba’s Ali Small Number, a virtual number service launched in 2014, is shutting down due to security concerns and misuse for spam and illegal activities. The service allowed users to obtain virtual numbers without a physical SIM, offering privacy and protection from harassment. The closure has sparked frustration among users who relied on it for managing online accounts. Users are advised to identify and update accounts linked to their virtual numbers before the service is discontinued on October 31st. Official support offers limited assistance.
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Worldwide Club for Travel Enthusiasts Now Live in the U.S.
Travelzoo (TZOO) is offering U.S. Club Members exclusive travel deals, including an Ireland vacation for $599, a Mexico 5-star getaway for $999, and up to 75% off Hamptons beachfront stays. Other deals feature a Paris trip with flights for $499 and a Caribbean all-inclusive package for $399. These curated offers, vetted by Travelzoo’s experts, provide significant savings on coveted experiences. Availability is limited, encouraging prompt booking.
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Musk Hints at Losing Control of Tesla
Elon Musk has voiced concerns about losing control of Tesla, citing his current 12.8% stake as insufficient to secure his position, especially with the company’s future robotics focus. He refuted claims of using Tesla stock as loan collateral. Musk aims for a 25% share to maintain strategic influence, highlighting the impact of stock option taxation on his voting control. His apprehension stems from the possibility of being ousted by activist shareholders after Tesla produces “millions of robots.”
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Sony Music’s New Bilibili MV Sparks Frenzy: A Return to High Views?
Ella Rosa’s “Weapon” music video has garnered significant attention on Bilibili, nearing 700,000 views. The suggestive content has sparked online discussion, ironically interpreted by some viewers. This viral video marks a potential resurgence for Sony Music’s visibility on the platform, contrasting with engagement statistics of many of the label’s 231,000 uploads, though still dwarfed by Rick Astley’s 93.39 million views. Sony Music China represents the corporation’s Asian market.
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AOL Pulls the Plug on 56K Dial-Up Service in September
AOL, once a major internet player, will terminate its 34-year-old dial-up service on September 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for the company and a small number of remaining users. The shutdown also includes the AOL Dialer software and AOL Shield browser. Despite its decline, AOL’s dial-up still had approximately 250,000 users in the US, mainly in areas lacking broadband infrastructure. This move reflects AOL’s struggles to adapt to modern technology after past successes.
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Failed Phone Startup: Ex-Motorola Exec Blames American Labor (Lack of Assembly Line Interest)
A former Motorola CEO discussed the difficulties of reviving US manufacturing, citing the company’s failed 2013 attempt to assemble Moto X smartphones in Texas. Despite employing 4,000 workers, the factory closed within a year due to disappointing sales. Challenges included a fragmented supply chain reliant on Asian components, leading to high transportation costs. Crucially, talent acquisition proved difficult, with extensive training needed and a prevailing sentiment that factory work isn’t desirable, hindering recruitment and retention.
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Huawei’s Upcoming AI Breakthrough: Potential Reduction in HBM Memory Dependency
Huawei is expected to unveil a significant AI inference technology at an upcoming forum, potentially reducing China’s reliance on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). HBM is crucial for AI inference due to its high bandwidth and capacity, enabling faster access to large language model parameters. However, HBM supply constraints and export restrictions are pushing Chinese companies to seek alternatives. This innovation could improve the performance of Chinese AI models and strengthen the Chinese AI ecosystem.
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Young Man Handles Traffic Incident with Grace, Citing Police Authority After Confrontation and Filming.
A video of a cyclist calmly responding to a traffic incident in Suzhou, China, has gone viral, igniting debate about personal responsibility and communication strategies. The cyclist, confronted by a woman traveling against traffic who filmed him and demanded accountability, repeatedly stated he would defer to the police. The police reportedly found the woman at fault. The cyclist’s friend claims she posted the video without permission and is now facing potential legal action. Online commentators praise the cyclist’s composure and strategic restraint in avoiding a manipulated narrative.