Technology

OpenAI is acquiring Statsig, a product development startup, for $1.1 billion to enhance its capabilities in feature testing and data optimization. Statsig CEO Vijaye Raji will become OpenAI’s technology chief within the applications unit, reporting to Fidji Simo. Statsig will operate independently, serving existing customers. This acquisition follows OpenAI’s purchase of Jony Ive’s AI devices startup, IO, and analytics database company Rockset, demonstrating its aggressive expansion strategy. A previous attempt to acquire AI-assisted coding tool Windsurf was unsuccessful.

Huawei Chairman Guo Ping addressed new hires in July 2025, discussing the company’s strengths and weaknesses in a “decoupling world.” Acknowledging restricted access to advanced technologies, Guo emphasized Huawei’s strong domestic base and ambition to become a global leader in ICT and smart devices. He highlighted strategies like “hardware-software synergy” and “non-Moore’s Law approaches” to overcome limitations and offer “another option” to the world. Guo urged new employees to seize opportunities in the dynamic industry and contribute to reshaping it.

8×8, Inc. has extended its partnership with Southampton FC, continuing as an official partner for Men’s and Women’s First Teams through the 2025/26 season. 8×8’s cloud-based technology is integral to the club’s operations, enhancing matchday experiences and fan engagement through streamlined communications. The partnership focuses on fostering deeper connections with supporters via personalized interactions and timely updates. The renewed agreement includes increased brand visibility and collaborative community outreach programs, leveraging 8×8’s unified platform to elevate fan experiences and operational efficiency.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei met with Xi’an Jiaotong University leaders to discuss deeper collaboration in research, education, and talent development. Ren emphasized the importance of fundamental research, particularly mathematics, and Huawei’s strategy of collaborative innovation with universities. He expressed confidence in China’s technological advancement, highlighting opportunities in chip development through mathematical solutions and diverse operating systems. Ren stressed the crucial role of education and talent cultivation.

China’s appliance exports rose 6.2% in H1 2025, with Haier maintaining its top global refrigerator brand position for the 17th year with a 22.8% market share. Fueled by domestic trade-in policies and overseas expansion, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia, Haier is achieving significant growth. Its success is driven by technological innovation, specifically the Magnetic Control Full Space Preservation, and user co-creation for products like the Wheatwave refrigerator, targeting younger consumers. Haier also leads in setting global refrigeration standards, building user trust.

Former Intel CEO Craig Barrett argues that Intel’s survival is crucial for U.S. chip manufacturing dominance. He believes underinvestment hinders Intel’s ability to compete with TSMC and Samsung. Barrett proposes a $40 billion collective investment from Intel’s major customers like Apple, Google, and NVIDIA to secure domestic chip supply and potential price advantages. He also urges adoption of advanced technologies and tariffs on imported chips to boost demand. Some of his suggestions align with current U.S. policies and Intel’s existing technology investments.

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.

Ingram Micro Holding Corporation is experiencing a system outage due to a detected ransomware attack on its internal systems. The company has taken affected systems offline, engaged cybersecurity experts, and notified law enforcement. They are working to restore operations and apologize for disruptions.

Suzhou hosted the 2025 Qualcomm Automotive Technology and Cooperation Summit, attracting nearly 2,000 industry leaders. Vice Mayor Liu Bo welcomed attendees, emphasizing Suzhou’s strong automotive electronics sector and commitment to innovation. He pledged deeper collaboration with Qualcomm, calling for joint efforts to drive intelligent mobility and capitalize on Suzhou’s substantial industrial base and research capabilities during the “golden decade” for automotive development.

China’s “500 Richest” list reveals a thriving economic landscape driven by technology and consumer trends. ByteDance’s Zhang Yiming leads, while others like Pony Ma (Guangdong) and Zhong Shanshan (Zhejiang) also rank high. Collective wealth increased 11% to 13.7 trillion yuan, with average net worth at 27.38 billion. The TMT sector, especially AI and semiconductors, dominates the list, showcasing significant growth and influencing the wealth of many entrepreneurs.