Google announces Android source code will be updated twice a year
Dell launches the world’s first 52-inch 6K display
ASUS introduces the ProArt PZ14 2-in-1 laptop
Fujifilm releases the instax mini Evo Cinema
Corsair launches the Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard
Micron releases the 3610 SSD
CowTransfer (奶牛快传) to officially shut down its service
WeChat Pay Pocket Money to introduce multi-parent mode
Xiaomi unveils the 2026 SU7 electric vehicle
On January 7, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun shared partial details of the 2026 Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle on social media. Pricing is set at RMB 229,900 for the Standard version, RMB 259,900 for the Pro version, and RMB 309,900 for the Max version. The entire lineup comes standard with LiDAR, 700 TOPS of assisted-driving compute, 4D millimeter-wave radar, and Xiaomi HAD end-to-end assisted driving. Maximum range reaches up to 902 km, with upgrades across the interior, chassis, color options, and safety features.
The new Xiaomi SU7 is scheduled to go on sale in April. Buyers who have locked in orders for the previous SU7 but have not yet taken delivery will be able to upgrade to the new model. Source
Product exterior and pricing images, courtesy of the news source
Google announces Android source code will be updated twice a year
On January 6, Google confirmed to the well-known outlet Android Authority that starting in 2026, the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) source code will be released on a fixed schedule in the second and fourth quarters each year.
The AOSP website has already notified developers of this change via an official announcement, recommending that development work shift to the android-latest-release branch. Google stated that this adjustment will help streamline development, reduce the burden of maintaining multiple branches, and improve the overall stability and security of the Android platform.
Google also emphasized that its level of support for AOSP has not been reduced. Instead, the new release cadence is intended to lay a more solid foundation for the Android ecosystem. Meanwhile, the existing security patch process will remain unchanged, with monthly updates continuing to be released on separate security branches for each version. Source
Dell launches the world’s first 52-inch 6K display
At CES 2026, Dell unveiled the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, calling it the “world’s first 52-inch 6K display.” This ultra-wide curved screen features a 21:9 aspect ratio with a resolution of 6144×2560, a pixel density of 129 PPI, and support for refresh rates of up to 120Hz. It uses an IPS Black panel with a rated brightness of 400 nits, and includes an ambient light sensor to improve comfort during extended use.
Positioned as a “single-screen replacement for multiple monitors,” the display supports picture-in-picture and screen partitioning to connect up to four computers simultaneously, and includes built-in KVM functionality, allowing one keyboard and mouse to control multiple devices. As a Thunderbolt hub, it offers a comprehensive set of ports: one Thunderbolt 4 upstream port (providing up to 140W of power delivery), two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, three USB-C upstream ports, multiple downstream USB-C and USB-A ports, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port.
The UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is now available on Dell’s website, priced at USD 2,899 with a stand, or USD 2,799 without the stand. Source
Product images courtesy of the news source
ASUS introduces the ProArt PZ14 2-in-1 laptop
At CES 2026, ASUS introduced the ProArt PZ14 (HT7407), a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet device designed for mobile creators.
The ProArt PZ14 features a CNC-machined unibody aluminum chassis with a built-in 75Wh battery, meeting MIL-STD-810H and IP52 standards. It measures 9 mm in thickness and weighs 0.79 kg. The device is powered by an 18-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It includes an 8MP front-facing IR camera and a 13MP rear camera, supports Wi-Fi 7, and offers dual USB4 ports along with an SD Express card reader.
The device uses a 14-inch Lumina Pro OLED touchscreen that carries both VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and True Black 1000 certifications. The panel has a resolution of 2800×1800, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and color accuracy of ΔE < 1, along with an anti-reflective coating. It also comes bundled with an ASUS Pen 3.0 stylus compliant with the MPP 2.6 standard, as well as a Bluetooth keyboard featuring 1.7 mm key travel. Source
Product images courtesy of ASUS
Fujifilm releases the instax mini Evo Cinema
On January 7, Fujifilm announced the instax mini Evo Cinema, a hybrid instant camera. As a hybrid model, it allows users to shoot while viewing images on the camera’s display, select their favorite shots for printing, and apply a variety of effects to create a more immersive shooting experience.
In addition to capturing still photos, the camera can record videos of up to 15 seconds. The recorded video data can be converted into a QR code, allowing users to create content that can “carry” and share video.
The camera also introduces a new feature called the Eras Dial, offering filters that evoke different stylistic eras. Each filter can be adjusted across 10 intensity levels, resulting in a total of 100 possible visual effects.
The product features a vertical grip design inspired by Fujifilm’s FUJICA Single-8. It can shoot both video and still images, and also functions as a photo printer. The camera is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on January 30, 2026. Source
Product images courtesy of the news source
Corsair launches the Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard
At CES 2026, Corsair unveiled the Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard. The keyboard features a wired design and integrates a 5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720 × 1080. It includes two rotary dials and 12 screen-equipped keys, allowing users to control commonly used streaming and creator apps such as Spotify, Twitch, VTube Studio, and OBS without pausing gameplay.
In terms of specifications, the keyboard supports a polling rate of up to 8000Hz and comes standard with MLX Pulse switches. It supports hot-swappable upgrades and also features FLASHTAP SOCD opposite-direction registration, enabling players to execute dodge movements with greater precision and reliability.
However, the keyboard does not include a single unified control software. Users still need to install both CORSAIR WEB HUB and Stream Deck software to manage the keyboard and the control panel respectively. The Galleon 100 SD will go on sale on January 29, priced at USD 349.99. Source
Product appearance and feature concept images courtesy of Corsair
Micron releases the 3610 SSD
On January 7, Micron Technology introduced the 3610 SSD, designed specifically for ultra-thin laptops and fanless systems. The drive features PCIe 5.0 speeds, QLC (quad-level cell) NAND, and capacities of up to 4TB.
The 3610 SSD is built on Micron’s G9 QLC NAND technology and is claimed to deliver over a 40% improvement in performance per watt, with I/O performance reaching up to 1.6 million IOPS. It is aimed at meeting the demands of productivity workloads, streaming, gaming, and AI multitasking.
The drive offers sequential read speeds of up to 11,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 9,300 MB/s. The 3610 is the industry’s first client SSD to combine PCIe 5.0 with G9 QLC NAND. It is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, and supports M.2 2230, M.2 2242, and M.2 2280 form factors. The product is being sold to OEMs and partners. Source
Product images courtesy of Micron
CowTransfer (奶牛快传) to officially shut down its service
On January 7, the CowTransfer team announced that after recent in-depth discussions and evaluations, they were ultimately unable to reach an agreement with the 123 Cloud Drive team, making it impossible to continue the service. As a result, CowTransfer will officially cease operations starting January 10, 2026.
At that time, all functions—including account login, file uploads and downloads, and access to historical transfer records—will no longer be available, and all server data will be cleared. Users who need to back up their data should complete downloads of important files before January 10 to avoid permanent data loss. Regarding membership refunds, users with active subscriptions can submit a request via the refund application link. Going forward, the team will focus its efforts on upgrading and innovating the “Gaoding Design” platform. Source
WeChat Pay Pocket Money to introduce multi-parent mode
On January 6, Tenpay announced revisions to the rules governing the WeChat Pay Pocket Money feature, with the new rules set to take effect on February 4, 2026.
This update introduces the concept of a “multi-parent mode” for the first time, distinguishing between a “primary managing parent” and “co-managing parents.” Under the new rules, the primary managing parent can invite co-managing parents to join, allowing both parties to jointly manage a child’s pocket money. The revision also further refines the rules for pocket money red packet codes, specifying that they are “to be used exclusively for receiving funds in pocket money scenarios.” Source
NVIDIA unveils DLSS 4.5, the Rubin platform, open models, and more
Dell launches XPS 14/16 laptops
HP introduces the keyboard-style mini PC Eliteboard G1a
Intel releases Core Ultra 300 series AI processors
LEGO launches smart bricks
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
NVIDIA unveils DLSS 4.5, the Rubin platform, open models, and more
At CES 2026, NVIDIA announced DLSS 4.5, which introduces Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation, a new 6× Multi-Frame Generation mode, and a second-generation Transformer model applied to DLSS Super Resolution. The new DLSS Super Resolution addresses issues related to temporal anti-aliasing (TAA) and earlier super-resolution models in areas such as lighting, detail, and shadows. NVIDIA claims it improves image quality across all presets (including Quality and Balanced modes), with the most noticeable gains in Performance and Ultra Performance modes. All GeForce RTX users can try it by updating to the beta version of the NVIDIA App. DLSS Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation and the 6× Multi-Frame Generation mode will be available to RTX 50 series gamers in the full release scheduled for January 13. Source
Comparison of edge detail with DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution
The RTX Remix Logic update for classic games is expected to roll out later this month via the NVIDIA App. Building on existing RTX Remix features, the Remix Logic update introduces a new visual logic system that allows RTX Remix mods to respond visually to real-time in-game events. It provides mod developers with more than 900 configurable options, enabling dynamic effects triggered by various in-game events, and supports 165 classic games. Source
Game scenes remade using RTX Remix Logic
NVIDIA also announced four G-SYNC Pulsar monitors developed in collaboration with Acer, AOC, ASUS, and MSI. These displays feature variable refresh rate backlight strobing technology, delivering over 1000 Hz of effective motion clarity to further enhance motion sharpness and visibility. They also include built-in light sensors that intelligently adjust color temperature and brightness. Source
The first four G-SYNC Pulsar monitors to launch
NVIDIA ACE AI technology is expanding further. Total War: PHARAOH introduces a dynamic AI advisor powered by NVIDIA ACE to help players learn the game’s many systems and mechanics. Meanwhile, the AI teammate PUBG Ally in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS now supports long-term memory, allowing it to remember players’ past performance and in-game interactions and reference previous events in its responses. PUBG Ally will enter testing for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Arcade users in the first half of this year, with support for English, Korean, and Chinese.
NVIDIA also announced a series of AI upgrades for RTX GPUs and laptops, including native NVFP4 / FP8 precision support in ComfyUI; integration of RTX Video Super Resolution to accelerate 4K video generation; NVIDIA NVFP8 quantization for the LTX-2 audio-video generation model; AI Blueprints for generating 4K AI video from 3D scenes in Blender; and accelerated inference performance for small language models such as Ollama and llama.cpp. Source
For developers and enterprise users, NVIDIA showcased the DGX Spark desktop AI supercomputer based on the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell architecture, featuring an ultra-cooperative design. The Rubin AI platform—an integrated six-chip system—was announced to have entered full mass production. NVIDIA also fully opened access to a suite of open models trained on its own supercomputers, including Clara for healthcare, Earth-2 for climate science, Nemotron for reasoning and multimodal AI, Cosmos for robotics and simulation, GR00T for embodied intelligence, and Alpamayo for assisted driving. Related physical AI open-source models, frameworks, infrastructure, and multiple robots also made their debut at CES. Source
NVIDIA Rubin
Dell launches XPS 14/16 laptops
After nearly a year of retiring the XPS brand name, Dell unveiled the XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops at CES 2026, targeting “enthusiasts who pursue ultimate performance.”
The XPS 14/16 feature an all-aluminum chassis and an ultra-thin design, equipped with three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports and 10W speakers. The 14-inch model weighs 1.36 kg, while the 16-inch version weighs 1.65 kg. Base configurations include a 1920×1200 IPS display, 16 GB LPDDR5X memory, 512 GB SSD storage, a 70 Wh battery, and an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 processor. The display supports a 1–120 Hz refresh rate and VRR technology. Both the XPS 14 and XPS 16 can be configured with lighter, high-resolution OLED display options, and higher-end versions powered by the Core Ultra X9 388H processor will be available later.
Selected configurations of the XPS 14/16 went on sale on January 6, with the XPS 14 starting at $2,049 and the XPS 16 starting at $2,199.99. Entry-level and high-end configurations are expected to launch in February. In addition, an XPS 14 version preinstalled with Ubuntu 24.04 is scheduled to arrive later this year. Source
HP introduces the keyboard-style mini PC Eliteboard G1a
At CES 2026, HP unveiled the Eliteboard G1a mini PC, which adopts the appearance of a standard office keyboard. The device is just 12 mm thick, with the processor, memory, storage, speakers, cooling fan, and multiple ports all integrated inside the keyboard. Users simply need to connect the keyboard to a display and can then use it with the included Bluetooth mouse.
Eliteboard G1a
The Eliteboard G1a is available in two versions: one with a fixed USB-C cable and another with a detachable USB-C cable. It supports daisy-chaining up to two 4K displays. Inside, it is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors, with configuration options ranging from AI 5 350 to AI 7 370 Pro. Memory support goes up to 64 GB of DDR5 via dual SODIMM slots, and storage capacity reaches up to 2 TB. The Eliteboard G1a also offers an optional fingerprint recognition module and includes a replaceable 35 Wh battery, with HP estimating around 3.5 hours of battery life. In terms of connectivity, the detachable-cable version caters more to conventional peripheral usage, while the fixed-cable version retains an additional USB4 port for external devices.
Finally, the keyboard itself uses a membrane switch structure with 2 mm key travel, and the entire unit weighs just 750 grams. The Eliteboard G1a is expected to go on sale in March this year, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. Source
Intel releases Core Ultra 300 series AI processors
At CES 2026, Intel announced the Core Ultra 300 series processors, codenamed Intel Panther Lake. Built on Intel’s 18A (2nm) process, the high-end models in this lineup feature up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe cores, and an NPU delivering up to 50 TOPS. According to Intel, this results in up to a 60% boost in multi-threaded performance, a 77% increase in gaming performance, and battery life extended to as much as 27 hours.
Full SKU lineup of the Core Ultra 300 series
In addition, Intel revealed edge processors designed specifically for embedded and industrial environments. These processors offer wide-temperature support, enabling more stable performance in both higher and lower temperature conditions. They also deliver significant advantages in key AI workloads, including up to a 1.9× improvement in large language model performance, a 2.3× increase in video analytics efficiency, and a 4.5× boost in vision–language–action model throughput.
Laptops powered by the Core Ultra 300 series began pre-orders as early as January 6, with global availability starting on January 27. Additional laptop models are expected to roll out gradually in the first half of 2026. Edge computing systems equipped with the third-generation processors are scheduled to launch in Q2 2026. Source
LEGO launches smart bricks
At CES 2026, LEGO unveiled its Smart Bricks. In appearance, the Smart Brick is indistinguishable from a classic 2×4 LEGO brick, but inside it houses a miniature computer. Unlike previous LEGO Mario components that relied on external batteries, the Smart Brick uses a custom ASIC chip, allowing for a compact design with support for wireless charging. The Smart Brick is equipped with inertial sensors, light sensors, and an NFC reader, enabling it to detect movement and tilt gestures, and to recognize nearby new light panels or minifigures embedded with Smart Tags. It can form a Bluetooth mesh network, allowing bricks to sense each other’s position and orientation.
LEGO Smart Brick
According to LEGO’s demonstrations, when a player moves a LEGO spaceship, the Smart Brick emits real-time engine sounds; if a vehicle flips over, the audio switches to a crash sound; and when Emperor Palpatine sits on his throne, the system automatically plays the “Imperial March.” LEGO said the Smart Brick supports firmware updates via a smartphone app and that its capabilities will continue to expand in the future. This technology is expected to inspire more creative combinations—for example, using a duck-quacking tag on a helicopter model to create a playful “duck helicopter.”
The LEGO Smart Brick will officially go on sale on March 1, 2026. The first wave of Smart Brick sets will be led by the Star Wars series and will include three kits: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter priced at $70 (473 pieces), Luke’s X-Wing Fighter priced at $100 (584 pieces), and the Death Star Duel scene priced at $160 (962 pieces). Each set includes at least one Smart Brick and a corresponding Smart minifigure. It is worth noting that due to the hardware cost of the Smart Brick, these sets offer fewer pieces and smaller model sizes than traditional sets at the same price point. Source
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
At CES 2026, Samsung showcased an OLED foldable display said to have no visible crease. The panel uses a laser-perforated metal plate that disperses pressure during folding, resulting in a crease-free visual appearance. The technology is expected to appear in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the second half of 2026, or in Apple’s foldable device. Source
iPolish demonstrated a press-on nail patch at CES 2026 that can change color through electrochemical methods. Source
On January 5, SanDisk announced the launch of a new gaming SSD brand, SANDISK Optimus, intended to replace the WD_BLACK and WD Blue lines inherited from Western Digital prior to the split. Source
Public Platform Assistant mini program to discontinue service
Leica is independently developing a full-frame CMOS sensor
Withings Body Scan 2 smart scale debuts at CES 2026
Nintendo fixes unstable network connectivity issue with the Switch 2 dock
Vietnam introduces mandatory rules on skippable ad durations
Honor unveils multiple new products
On January 5, Honor introduced the Honor Power2 smartphone via an online launch event, alongside the Honor Pad X10 Pro, Honor Pad 10 Pro, and a range of Honor Choice IoT products.
The Honor Power2 features the industry’s first 10,080 mAh fourth-generation Qinghai Lake battery, while keeping the device thickness to 7.98 mm. It supports 80W SuperCharge fast charging and 27W reverse charging, and incorporates a smart charging engine to improve charging efficiency and battery longevity.
In terms of connectivity, the Honor Power2 is equipped with the Hongyan six-wing antenna system and Honor’s in-house RF enhancement chip C1+, supporting 25 antennas in total. It also adopts a parallel dual-rail antenna design to improve performance in weak-signal environments. For positioning, it uses a multi-source fused positioning engine with support for dual-frequency GPS and triple-frequency BeiDou. On the performance side, it debuts the Dimensity 8500 Elite chipset and features an over-40,000 mm² Ice-Sealed liquid cooling system. The device has passed SGS Gold Label five-star certifications for drop resistance, impact resistance, and compression resistance, offers IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance, and comes with a 6.79-inch 1.5K eye-care display and a 50-megapixel OIS main camera.
Core product highlight image, image sourced from Honor.
The Honor Power2 is available in Sunrise Orange, Snowfield White, and Phantom Night Black. Pricing is set at RMB 2,699 for the 12 GB + 256 GB version and RMB 2,999 for the 12 GB + 512 GB version, with government-subsidized prices of RMB 2,294.15 and RMB 2,549.15 respectively. Pre-orders are now open, with official sales scheduled to begin at 10:08 a.m. on January 9. Source
Douyin to support Dolby Vision
On January 5, Dolby Laboratories and Douyin announced a partnership under which Douyin will bring Dolby Vision to users on the platform, enabling the creation and sharing of higher dynamic range video content.
According to Dolby, iPhone users can now publish and watch Dolby Vision videos within the Douyin app, and can use Douyin’s built-in editing tools as well as compatible editing apps such as Jianying to create Dolby Vision content. Support for more device types will be rolled out gradually.
Dolby noted that the rise of short-video platforms has reshaped how people share and consume content. Through this collaboration, the two parties aim to make it easier for creators to use Dolby Vision on mobile devices for both content creation and distribution. Source
Public Platform Assistant mini program to discontinue service
Tencent WeChat’s Public Platform Assistant mini program announced on January 3 that it will cease providing services starting March 2, 2026. According to the official statement, users who wish to continue managing public accounts on their phones can download the “Public Account Assistant” app from app stores, or manage their public accounts via “WeChat” → “Official Accounts.” Source
Leica is independently developing a full-frame CMOS sensor
Recently, Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, owner and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, revealed in a podcast that Leica is currently independently developing a full-frame CMOS sensor. The project reportedly began around four years ago, in 2022, around the time of the Leica M11’s release. The entire development process is expected to take about five years, meaning that the earliest Leica M12 model equipped with Leica’s in-house CMOS sensor could appear as soon as 2027.
By way of comparison, the Leica M11, Q3, and SL3 use customized versions of Sony’s IMX455 sensor. The exact sensor models used in the M10R, Q2, and SL2 remain somewhat disputed, but they are also supplied by Sony. Meanwhile, the SL2-S and SL3-S use customized versions of Sony’s IMX410 sensor. Source
Withings Body Scan 2 smart scale debuts at CES 2026
Smart health brand Withings unveiled the Body Scan 2 smart scale at CES 2026. The new model primarily features a redesigned form factor and adds functions such as hypertension risk detection and cellular health assessment.
In terms of design, Body Scan 2 moves the display from the surface of the scale to the pull-out handle used for ECG measurements, allowing users to view data more easily.
On the sensor side, the Body Scan 2 can measure up to 60 different body metrics. Its most notable new feature is impedance cardiography (ICG), which evaluates the heart’s ability to pump blood to organs throughout the body, enabling hypertension risk assessment. Another newly added capability, bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS), uses extremely low-intensity electrical currents to measure total body water, from which it derives key indicators such as cellular age, active cell mass, and metabolic efficiency. All collected data is analyzed by Withings’ “clinically validated” AI models to generate more accessible health insights, including hypertension risk evaluations and assessments of blood glucose regulation. The system also combines these results with the user’s vital signs to identify health trends and provide a range of recommendations for improving overall health.
Product appearance images, courtesy of Withings.
The scale is priced at $599.95 and is scheduled to go on sale in the second quarter of 2026. Source
Nintendo fixes unstable network connectivity issue with the Switch 2 dock
Recently, Nintendo quietly addressed an issue with unstable Ethernet connectivity on the Switch 2 dock through firmware version 21.1.0. Some players reported that after installing the update, performing a full power-off restart allowed the Ethernet port to connect to the network normally.
Players speculate that the earlier instability may have been caused by a defect in the Realtek chip used in the Switch 2, and that this update could represent a workaround Nintendo has found for a potential hardware issue. Source
Vietnam introduces mandatory rules on skippable ad durations
Recently, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 342 (Decree 342/2025), which introduces more detailed regulations for digital advertising and will take effect on February 15, 2026. Under the decree, platforms running online video and animated image ads in Vietnam must ensure that users can skip or close ads within a maximum of five seconds. Longer “non-skippable” ad formats lasting 7 to 30 seconds will no longer be permitted.
The new rules also apply to static image ads, requiring advertisers not to implement mechanisms that force users to wait before closing ads. For pop-up and other non-fixed-position ads, the decree prohibits the use of hard-to-identify or misleading close buttons, and requires that users be able to close ads with a single, clear action.
In addition, the decree mandates that online ads provide clear icons and guidance to allow users to report illegal content, and to opt out of or stop viewing inappropriate ads. For ads deemed illegal by authorities, advertisers, service providers, distributors, and publishers must remove or disable them within 24 hours of receiving notice. Telecommunications operators and internet service providers are also required to restrict access to the relevant illegal ads or services within 24 hours of receiving an official request. Source
Clicks launches the Power Keyboard and Communicator phone
Pebble releases the Round 2 watch
DeepSeek publishes a paper introducing the efficient training technique mHC
ASUS notifies channels of price increases starting today
A new batch of works enters the public domain
BYD surpasses Tesla to become the world’s top EV seller in 2025
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
Clicks launches the Power Keyboard and Communicator phone
On January 2, tech startup Clicks Technology unveiled its first batch of new products following its physical keyboard cases.
Among them, the Clicks Communicator phone is positioned as a “modern communication companion,” with a role similar to that of a Kindle alongside an iPad, intended primarily as a user’s secondary phone. The device runs Android, features a candybar design, and comes with a 4-inch display and a full physical keyboard. It weighs 170 grams and measures 12 mm thick. To reduce information overload, the system interface is deeply customized based on Niagara Launcher, abandoning the traditional app grid in favor of a minimalist message aggregation center. In terms of hardware, the Communicator is equipped with a 50-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel front camera, while retaining a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a mute switch, and a MicroSD card slot. A signal-light button on the side changes color according to notification type. The device is powered by a 4000 mAh battery. Details about the processor and storage have not been disclosed. The Communicator starts at $499 (approximately RMB 3,487), with an early-bird pre-order price of $399, and is expected to ship later this year.
The other new product, the Clicks Power Keyboard, is a two-in-one device combining a Bluetooth keyboard and a power bank. It supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging standards and can magnetically attach to the back of a phone. The keyboard features a sliding design and, in addition to serving as a physical keyboard for phones, can connect via Bluetooth 5.4 to up to three devices such as tablets and smart TVs. The Power Keyboard weighs 180 grams, is 15.2 mm thick, and has a battery capacity of 2150 mAh, of which 500 mAh is allocated specifically for keyboard use. The product is priced at $109 (approximately RMB 790), with an early-bird price of $79, and will officially go on sale this spring.
Pebble releases the Round 2 watch
On January 2, smartwatch brand Pebble announced the Pebble Round 2. As part of the brand’s reboot plan, the Round 2 is a revival of the Pebble Time Round released in 2015, aiming to recreate the classic circular design that was once known as the “thinnest in the industry,” now updated with more modern technology.
In terms of hardware design, the Pebble Round 2 addresses one of the biggest drawbacks of the original model—its overly wide bezels. While retaining an ultra-thin 8.1 mm stainless steel case, the new model features a 1.3-inch color e-ink display with a pixel density doubled from the previous generation to 283 ppi, along with backlight support. The Round 2 keeps physical side buttons, allowing users to rely on tactile, eyes-free operation in scenarios such as meetings.
To achieve a battery life of 10 to 14 days, the Pebble Round 2 makes clear trade-offs in functionality. It retains only basic health features such as step counting and sleep tracking, and does not include a heart rate sensor, making it unsuitable as a dedicated fitness-tracking device. On the software side, it runs the open-source Pebble OS and is compatible with thousands of watch faces and apps. A built-in microphone supports voice input and replies, but due to limitations imposed by Apple’s system, this feature currently mainly targets Android users, with iOS support set to roll out first in the EU. Previously, Pebble released a low-cost AI smart ring with recording and transcription capabilities, and the company has stated that it plans to bring similar AI features to its watches in the future.
The product is priced at $199 (approximately RMB 1,390) and is now available for pre-order on the official website, with shipments expected in May this year. For customers who previously pre-ordered the square-faced Pebble Time 2, the company is also offering the option to switch their reservation to the Round 2 while retaining their place in the queue.
DeepSeek publishes a paper introducing the efficient training technique mHC
On January 1, DeepSeek released a technical paper co-authored by its founder Liang Wenfeng, proposing a new deep learning architecture called “Manifold-Constrained Hyper-Connections” (mHC). The research aims to optimize computational efficiency, enabling larger-scale models to be trained at lower cost in environments with limited computing resources.
The mHC technique is a further refinement of the “Hyper-Connections” architecture. Hyper-Connections were originally proposed by researchers at ByteDance in September 2024, with the goal of improving upon the mainstream ResNet (Residual Network) architecture invented by He Kaiming and others at Microsoft Research Asia. The approach was designed to address signal attenuation in deep networks—where information gradually weakens as it propagates through layers, preventing deeper layers from receiving effective signals—as well as model collapse, in which different inputs become increasingly similar or even converge after successive layers of processing.
The DeepSeek team points out that while ByteDance’s approach increased network complexity, it overlooked the rapidly rising memory costs in large-model training, resulting in limited real-world scalability. In response, DeepSeek’s mHC approach introduces specific manifold constraints that force data flows to operate only along certain geometric trajectories (manifolds). This preserves the advantages of hyper-connections while successfully addressing memory and cost bottlenecks, achieving what the paper describes as “almost negligible computational overhead.” According to the paper, the DeepSeek research team conducted experiments on models with 3 billion, 9 billion, and 27 billion parameters, and the empirical results show that mHC offers better scalability than traditional architectures while maintaining stability during large-scale training.
The paper was uploaded to arXiv under Liang Wenfeng’s personal account. Previously, Liang had personally published only DeepSeek’s most important technical papers, such as those related to the R1 and V3 models, and in this work he is listed as the final author. This move confirms that he remains deeply involved in core research and development, and is widely seen as a signal that the technical direction for DeepSeek’s next-generation core models has been set. Market expectations suggest that DeepSeek may follow the R1 release strategy and unveil a new large model before the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February.
ASUS notifies channels of price increases starting today
According to VideoCardz, ASUS sent a “2026 Product Price Adjustment Notice” to its partners on December 30 last year, announcing that price adjustments will take effect starting January 5, 2026.
The notice states that due to structural volatility in the global supply chain, multiple key components are facing severe cost pressures, particularly DRAM and NAND memory. These changes stem from “adjustments in global foundry capacity allocation,” “rising investment costs in advanced process nodes,” and “structural gaps in the industry caused by demand for AI computing power.”
Although ASUS did not specify which models would be affected, it clearly stated that it would implement “strategic price adjustments for certain product portfolios.” As the effective date of the price increase comes just ahead of the opening of CES 2026, industry analysts believe that ASUS’s upcoming next-generation hardware—especially AI PCs and gaming devices expected to be unveiled at CES—will be the first to be impacted, potentially setting new market price benchmarks.
ASUS emphasized that the adjustment is a “necessary decision made after long-term absorption of and responses to cost pressures,” with the goal of “ensuring stable supply and maintaining quality and service standards.” Regarding subsequent impacts, ASUS business representatives will proactively contact partners to provide detailed explanations and assist in planning the most appropriate response strategies or configuration recommendations.
ASUS’s public relations department has confirmed the authenticity of the document, while clarifying to the media that it is an internal commercial communication intended solely for channel partners, rather than an official press release issued to the public.
A new batch of works enters the public domain
On January 1, 2026, the world marked its annual milestone for copyright expiration. Works by renowned figures such as Freud, Einstein, and Toynbee entered the public domain across jurisdictions including the United States, Europe, and China.
In the United States, with the expiration of copyright protection for works published in 1930, books such as William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying and Sigmund Freud’s Civilization and Its Discontents, as well as films like All Quiet on the Western Front, entered the public domain. Paintings by Piet Mondrian and Paul Klee, the original “Betty Boop” doll, and Disney’s earliest depiction of Pluto (then known as Rover) are also no longer subject to copyright restrictions, making derivative creations based on these early materials possible.
In jurisdictions that apply a copyright term of “the author’s lifetime plus 70 years,” such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Russia, works by authors who died in 1955 have now reached the end of their protection period. This means that works by physicist Albert Einstein, Dale Carnegie—the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People—and Nobel Prize–winning writer Thomas Mann are no longer protected by copyright in these regions.
In jurisdictions that apply a copyright term of “the author’s lifetime plus 50 years,” including China and most parts of Asia and Africa, works by authors who died in 1975 have reached the end of their protection period. This includes figures such as Chiang Kai-shek, historian Arnold J. Toynbee, Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich, and political philosopher Hannah Arendt.
BYD surpasses Tesla to become the world’s top EV seller in 2025
According to The New York Times, Tesla lost its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer in 2025, being surpassed by BYD for the first time. Data released on December 31 show that Tesla’s annual deliveries fell 9% year on year to 1.64 million vehicles, with fourth-quarter sales plunging 16% due to policy impacts. In contrast, BYD’s annual sales of pure electric vehicles rose 28% to 2.26 million units, and the company achieved significant expansion across Asia, Europe, and Latin America thanks to its pricing advantage.
Tesla’s sales decline was primarily driven by a sharp shift in U.S. policy. Despite Elon Musk’s strong support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, after Republicans regained control of the White House and Congress, they swiftly repealed the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 and began rolling back clean air regulations. As the dominant player holding about 45% of the U.S. EV market, Tesla became the biggest casualty of these policy changes, with fourth-quarter deliveries dropping sharply from 496,000 a year earlier to 418,000 units.
Beyond the deteriorating external environment, Tesla’s own lagging product updates were also a key factor. Its flagship Model Y has seen no major refresh since its launch in 2020, while the newly introduced Cybertruck has delivered disappointing sales. In the European market, Tesla’s sales have already been overtaken by Volkswagen. In addition, Musk has shifted the company’s focus toward robotaxis and humanoid robots, which have yet to generate meaningful revenue, and Tesla has fallen behind Alphabet-owned Waymo in the deployment of autonomous driving.
Industry analysts predict that the U.S. EV market will remain sluggish in 2026, with a recovery unlikely until 2027, when more low-cost models priced below $30,000 enter the market. Despite weak vehicle sales, Tesla’s stock price remains near historical highs, as Wall Street continues to bet on its long-term potential in autonomous driving. Meanwhile, although BYD is unable to enter the U.S. market due to high tariff barriers, it has firmly established its leadership in the rest of the world.
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
Recently, multiple Reddit users complained that Duolingo was displaying subscription ads through its real-time events feature, a practice prohibited by App Store review guidelines and one that could potentially lead to removal from the store. Duolingo later appeared to have stopped showing the ads.
According to official data from Stack Overflow, the site added only 3,862 new questions in December 2025, a figure that has fallen below the level seen in August 2008, shortly after the platform’s launch.
Internal Meta documents reviewed by Reuters show that in response to pressure from global regulators cracking down on scam ads on social media, Meta developed a set of countermeasures known as the “Global Playbook.” The documents reveal that rather than fully verifying advertisers’ identities or eliminating scams, Meta made it harder for regulators to discover violating ads by manipulating search results in order to pass compliance reviews. For example, in Japan, Meta teams found that regulators searched public ad libraries using specific keywords such as celebrity names to identify scam ads. Ahead of regulatory reviews, Meta selectively cleaned up search results related to those keywords, creating the impression that scam ads had been significantly reduced. In addition, when regulation was tightened in one region, algorithms would automatically divert scam ad traffic to other regions with looser oversight. Previously, Meta had faced tough questioning from governments in Japan, Singapore, and elsewhere over the proliferation of investment scams and AI-generated fake celebrity endorsement ads on Facebook and Instagram.
On the evening of January 3, Lei Jun revealed during a New Year livestream that Xiaomi’s original vehicle delivery target for 2025 had been set at 300,000 units, later raised to 350,000, and ultimately surpassed 410,000 units. He also announced that Xiaomi’s vehicle delivery target for 2026 is 550,000 units. During the four-hour livestream, Lei Jun and his engineering team completely disassembled a YU7. After the teardown, Lei Jun addressed a series of recent public controversies surrounding Xiaomi Auto. Regarding marketing claims such as “1,300 kilometers on a single charge” and “instant braking from 200 km/h,” Lei Jun said these statements originated from driving demonstration videos meant to showcase the SU7’s range and braking performance, with full videos available as evidence, but were taken out of context during dissemination. He also acknowledged that “fine-print marketing” is a bad industry practice, accepted the criticism, and said that since November last year he has required business teams to use larger, clearer text whenever possible.
Xiaomi responds to reports of a loose Leica master zoom ring on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Samsung releases the Galaxy A17
TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER announced
NVIDIA completes a $5 billion investment in Intel
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
The 2026 “National Subsidy” plan is unveiled
On December 30, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Finance released a notice on the implementation of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs in 2026. The notice includes the following measures:
Support for home appliance trade-in programs. Individual consumers who purchase products meeting Level 1 energy efficiency or water efficiency standards in six categories—refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, computers, and water heaters—will receive a subsidy equal to 15% of the product’s sale price. Each consumer may receive a subsidy for one item per category, with a maximum subsidy of 1,500 yuan per item.
Support for new purchases of digital and smart products. Individual consumers who purchase products in four categories—smartphones, tablets, smartwatches or fitness bands, and smart glasses—will receive a subsidy equal to 15% of the product’s sale price. Each consumer may receive a subsidy for one item per category, with a maximum subsidy of 500 yuan per item.
Support for subsidies on new smart home product purchases. Specific subsidized categories and subsidy standards will be independently and reasonably determined by local governments based on local conditions.
The 2026 “National Subsidy” plan further optimizes the scope of support. On the basis of continuing overall equipment upgrade policies, it expands to include areas such as adding elevators to old residential communities, elderly care institutions, firefighting and rescue, inspection and testing, and offline commercial consumption facilities. In terms of consumer goods trade-ins, the plan supports vehicle trade-ins, while home appliance trade-ins focus on six categories: refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, computers, and water heaters. It also supports new purchases of digital and smart products, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches (bands), smart glasses, and smart home products (including age-friendly home products).
The state has recently allocated in advance the first batch of 62.5 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special treasury bonds for 2026 to local governments, earmarked to support consumer goods trade-in programs and meet peak consumption demand during periods such as New Year’s Day and the Spring Festival. Source
Luo Yonghao hosts an annual technology innovation sharing event
On the evening of December 30, Luo Yonghao held the “Luo Yonghao’s Crossroads” Annual Tech Innovation Sharing Conference at the Shanghai West Bund International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event is widely seen as the return of his signature “Tech Spring Festival Gala” after a seven-year hiatus. At the conference, Luo introduced a range of innovative tech products, including the DJI Neo 2, Jike exoskeleton robot, Bambu Lab desktop 3D printer, Yingling panoramic drone, Qingxian ergonomic chair, and Like dishwasher, and also presented awards to outstanding video creators on the Douyin Featured platform. Source
Image from the news source
It is also worth noting that Thin Red Line’s app Qie Ting officially debuted at the event. Positioned as “an AI-era audio library for in-depth interpretation and analysis of great books,” Qie Ting is now available for download on major app stores. Source
On December 30, the 2026 GAC Trumpchi Xiangwang M8 was officially launched. A total of three variants are available, with official guide prices ranging from 309,900 to 389,900 yuan.
The 2026 Xiangwang M8 features the brand’s “Yipin Qilin front fascia” design and comes equipped with electric sliding doors, a floating roof, and hidden B-, C-, and D-pillars. It also offers features such as a 192-line LiDAR, intelligent welcome projection, and more. Inside, the cabin uses soft-touch materials and wood-grain trim, and is fitted with a 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, the ADiGO intelligent system, and the HarmonySpace 5 HarmonyOS cockpit, along with a rear-seat entertainment screen. In terms of comfort, the second row offers five-star SPA dual zero-gravity seats, while the third-row power seats support freely adjustable backrest angles.
For power, the 2026 Xiangwang M8 is equipped with a 2.0T plug-in hybrid system, delivering a combined maximum output of 300 kW and a combined peak torque of 645 Nm. It offers a CLTC-rated pure electric range of 248 km and a WLTC-rated combined driving range of 1,177 km. Source
Xiaomi responds to reports of a loose Leica master zoom ring on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra
On December 30, Xiaomi’s official smartphone Weibo account published “Xiaomi 17 Ultra Series: Answers to Questions from Users,” responding to recent online reports claiming that the “Master Zoom Ring on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is loose.”
According to the statement, the Master Zoom Ring on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is designed with allowable movement in both the radial and axial directions. This is intended to prevent deformation of the phone’s outer frame in the event of a drop, as well as to avoid jamming caused by dust or liquid ingress. As a result, slight movement may be felt when shaking the Master Zoom Ring, and a faint sound may be heard when tapping it—both are considered normal phenomena. These do not affect the functionality of the Master Zoom Ring, nor do they compromise the device’s dust and water resistance. The statement also addressed topics such as optical zoom focal length selection, the so-called “clicking” sound from the lens, and product availability issues. Source
Samsung releases the Galaxy A17
On December 30, Samsung unveiled a new A-series smartphone, the Galaxy A17. It is powered by the Exynos 1330 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with support for microSD card expansion. The device is rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, and features a 6.7-inch 90Hz FHD display, a 5,000mAh battery, and 25W wired charging. In terms of imaging, it comes with a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera, along with a 13MP front-facing selfie camera.
Samsung promises six years of Android OS version updates and security patches for the Galaxy A17. It will be available in blue and black color options, and is set to go on sale first in the United States on January 7, 2026, with a price tag of $199. Source
TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER announced
On December 30, TCL unveiled the TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER, an e-reading device based on its NXTPAPER display technology. It features an 11.5-inch NXTPAPER Pure screen using an LCD panel, with a resolution of 2200 × 1440 and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery, 256GB of storage, and support for TCL’s own T-Pen Pro stylus. It also includes eight built-in microphones, as well as a 13MP rear camera dedicated to document scanning.
Unlike previous NXTPAPER tablets, the TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER is positioned as a note-taking and productivity assistant. It runs the Android operating system and supports AI-powered real-time translation and handwriting beautification. The device is currently live on Kickstarter and is scheduled to officially go on sale by the end of February 2026, priced at $549. Source
NVIDIA completes a $5 billion investment in Intel
According to regulatory filings disclosed on December 29, NVIDIA completed a $5 billion investment in Intel on December 26 by acquiring 214.7 million Intel shares through a private placement at a price of $23.28 per share.
The transaction was first announced in September and is regarded as one of the most significant strategic shifts in the semiconductor industry in 2025. As a result, it drew the attention of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, with the relevant approvals ultimately granted on December 18.
In addition, under the agreement, Intel will provide NVIDIA with customized x86 CPUs for its AI infrastructure platform, and the two companies will also develop a new type of processor featuring integrated NVIDIA RTX graphics and NVLink technology, with transmission bandwidth reaching up to 1.8 TB per second. Source
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
According to a report from Calcalist, NVIDIA is planning to acquire the Israeli AI startup AI21 Labs for between $2 billion and $3 billion. Source
Well-known leaker @OnLeaks released a hands-on video of a Galaxy S26 Ultra dummy unit. The video shows that, compared with the S25 Ultra, the overall design has not changed much, though the rear camera module has been slightly redesigned and appears to protrude more noticeably.
Marvel Entertainment’s official YouTube channel has released the second teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Similar to the previous teaser, this one focuses on Thor and his adopted daughter Love from Thor: Love and Thunder.
The digital renminbi will enter the era of digital deposit currency
Meta acquires Manus
GOG co-founder acquires the GOG platform
More than 20% of videos recommended by YouTube’s algorithm to new users are AI-generated junk
ACCA cancels online exams to combat cheating with AI tools
Fujifilm to begin shipping 40 TB magnetic tapes next January
LG releases UltraGear evo monitors
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
The digital renminbi will enter the era of digital deposit currency
On December 29, the People’s Bank of China released the Action Plan on Further Strengthening the Management and Service System of the Digital RMB and the Construction of Related Financial Infrastructure. At the institutional level, the plan clarifies that the digital RMB will move from the era of digital cash into the era of digital deposit currency. A new-generation measurement framework, management system, operating mechanism, and ecosystem for the digital RMB will officially come into effect on January 1, 2026.
Under the new institutional arrangements, the digital RMB held by customers in commercial bank wallets will constitute account-based liabilities of commercial banks, marking the transition of the digital RMB from a cash-based 1.0 version to a deposit-currency-based 2.0 version. Banking institutions will pay interest on the balances of real-name digital RMB wallets in accordance with self-regulatory agreements on deposit interest rate pricing; banks will be able to independently conduct asset–liability management for digital RMB wallet balances; and deposit insurance will provide the same level of statutory security protection as for traditional deposits. Source
Meta acquires Manus
On December 29, Meta announced the acquisition of AI startup Manus. Since releasing its general-purpose AI agent Manus earlier this year, the company has processed nearly 147 trillion tokens and created over 80 million virtual computers. Following the acquisition, some Manus team members will join Meta, while Manus will continue to operate as an independent company based in Singapore, and its services will remain available for separate purchase. Source
GOG co-founder acquires the GOG platform
On December 29, GOG and CD PROJEKT co-founder Michal Kiciński fully acquired the GOG platform from CD PROJEKT. GOG is a game distribution platform known for its DRM-free philosophy, founded in 2007 by Marcin Iwiński and Michal Kiciński and officially launched in 2008. GOG will continue its partnership with CD PROJEKT, and CD PROJEKT RED titles will remain available on GOG. Michal Kiciński stated that he hopes to preserve GOG’s original vision—no forced bundling, no mandatory platform lock-in—so players can truly feel ownership of their games. CD PROJEKT will shift greater focus toward creating high-quality RPG titles. Source
More than 20% of videos recommended by YouTube’s algorithm to new users are AI-generated junk
According to a report by The Guardian on December 27, video-editing company Kapwing analyzed the top 100 YouTube channels across various countries—around 15,000 channels in total—and found that 278 of them publish only AI-generated junk content (“AI slop”). These channels have collectively amassed 63 billion views, 221 million subscribers, and generate an estimated $117 million in annual revenue. The study also tested recommendation feeds using brand-new accounts and found that among the first 500 videos recommended by YouTube, 104 were AI junk—about one-third of which were low-quality “brainrot” content. Source
ACCA cancels online exams to combat cheating with AI tools
According to the Financial Times, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) announced that starting in March, online exams will be canceled. Except in special circumstances, candidates will be required to take assessments in person. ACCA introduced online proctoring during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate candidates with special needs, but with the rapid advancement of AI tools, cheating methods have increasingly outpaced ACCA’s ability to monitor and control them, ultimately leading to this decision. In recent years, accounting industries in multiple countries have already seen cheating scandals. The Financial Times also learned through interviews that some candidates have indeed photographed exam questions and sent them to AI chatbots to cheat during exams. Source
Fujifilm to begin shipping 40 TB magnetic tapes next January
Fujifilm has announced that it will begin selling the FUJIFILM LTO Ultrium 10 (40TB) data tape—LTO-10 (40TB)—starting in January 2026. The storage medium can hold 40 TB of uncompressed data, with a maximum capacity of up to 100 TB when compressed. Compared with the previous-generation LTO-10 (30TB), the recommended operating temperature range of LTO-10 (40TB) has been expanded to 15°C–35°C, and it can withstand up to 80% humidity at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. According to Fujifilm, sales of magnetic tape as a storage medium have grown by around 10% annually since 2020. Source
LG releases UltraGear evo monitors
On December 26, LG announced its new high-end gaming monitor lineup, UltraGear evo, with physical units set to be showcased at CES 2026. The lineup includes three models: the 39-inch 5K2K (5120×2160) OLED monitor 39GX950B, the 27-inch 5K MiniLED monitor 27GM950B, and the 52-inch 5K2K 240Hz monitor 52G930B. The 39-inch and 27-inch models feature exclusive functions such as on-monitor 5K AI upscaling, AI-based scene and audio optimization. The 27-inch model is equipped with 2,304 local dimming zones, designed to minimize haloing effects commonly seen on high-resolution MiniLED displays. Source
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
On December 29, Chery responded to Yicai and denied rumors of a partnership with Dreame to launch the Jetour Zongheng G700 in the first quarter of 2026. Source
Samsung published a post announcing plans to integrate Google Photos into its Samsung AI TV lineup, allowing users to view their photos directly on the TV. Source
Lenovo released an update for the Legion Go handheld, version 1.3.4.9, enabling the device to gain the Xbox full-screen experience feature that the ROG Ally supported at launch. Source
SoftBank announced on December 29 that it will acquire data center investment firm DigitalBridge for $4 billion. Source
Draft rules propose requiring AI chat services to issue timed exit reminders and intervene promptly in cases of addiction
Xiaohongshu responds to a public “call-out” from the Lijiang Old Town Culture and Tourism Bureau
Cyberspace Administration issues regulations to standardize the behavior of online influencer accounts
Honor releases the WIN series gaming smartphones
Plaintiff presents forged evidence bearing Doubao AI watermarks, receives a judicial reprimand
Beijing arbitration case clarifies that dismissal due to a role being replaced by AI constitutes unlawful termination
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
Draft rules propose requiring AI chat services to issue timed exit reminders and intervene promptly in cases of addiction
On December 27, the Cyberspace Administration of China released the Interim Measures for the Management of Anthropomorphic Interactive AI Services (Draft for Public Comment), soliciting public feedback. The draft defines “anthropomorphic interactive services” as products or services that use AI technologies to simulate human personality traits, thinking patterns, and communication styles, and engage in emotional interaction with humans through text, images, audio, video, and other forms.
Beyond basic content compliance, the draft proposes that anthropomorphic interactive services must not provide false promises that seriously affect user behavior or services that harm social relationships; must not harm users’ physical or mental health; and must not induce users to make unreasonable decisions through algorithmic manipulation, misleading information, or emotional traps. Service providers are required to have safety capabilities such as mental health protection, emotional boundary guidance, and dependency risk warnings, and must not take replacing social interaction, controlling users’ psychology, or inducing addiction and dependence as design goals.
The draft also proposes introducing a number of intervention mechanisms. For example, while protecting users’ personal privacy, providers should assess users’ emotional states and their level of dependence on products and services, and take necessary measures to intervene when extreme emotions or addiction are identified. When users explicitly express intentions to commit suicide, self-harm, or other extreme actions, the conversation must be taken over by human operators, and timely measures should be taken to contact users’ guardians or emergency contacts (required to be provided during registration for minors and older adults). In addition, if a user has been using the service continuously for more than two hours, dynamic reminders—such as pop-up notifications—should be displayed to prompt a pause; providers must not obstruct users from actively exiting the service. Providers should also prominently inform users that they are interacting with AI rather than a natural person.
The draft further brings training data under regulatory oversight. Providers should strengthen the management of training data, ensure that data sources are lawful and traceable, take necessary measures to safeguard data security, and prevent data leakage risks. Unless otherwise stipulated by laws or administrative regulations, or with separate user consent, providers must not use user interaction data or users’ sensitive personal information for model training.
Since the beginning of this year, international media have repeatedly reported on incidents linked to AI chat services. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating chatbot products from major AI companies, and some states have begun to legislate oversight. For example, in October, the Governor of California signed a series of restrictive bills targeting AI applications, aimed at strengthening protections for minors. These measures require AI products to verify users’ ages, remind users every three hours that they are interacting with AI rather than a human, and promptly intervene in cases involving suicide or self-harm.
Xiaohongshu responds to a public “call-out” from the Lijiang Old Town Culture and Tourism Bureau
According to a report by Observer Network, the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Lijiang’s Old Town District in Yunnan recently issued a public letter accusing the Xiaohongshu platform of failing to adequately fulfill its responsibilities in information oversight. The bureau claimed this had led to a large number of consumers using unsubstantiated “avoid-at-all-costs” posts to threaten wedding photography businesses into issuing refunds.
In response, on December 24 Xiaohongshu customer service stated that the platform provides public reporting channels and will handle confirmed violations in a timely manner. People familiar with the platform said that preliminary reviews have not found evidence of consumers fabricating experiences or engaging in other violations. The Old Town District Culture and Tourism Bureau later deleted the letter. However, the Lijiang Old Town Travel Photography Industry Association said it has refused to continue negotiations with Xiaohongshu and is currently commissioning lawyers to collect evidence and prepare a collective public-interest lawsuit.
Several local travel photography business owners told the media that some consumers, after signing off on services and receiving their final photos, subsequently post negative reviews on Xiaohongshu to extort full refunds. In some cases, social groups have even emerged that coach members on how to obtain free services through complaints. Merchants said that even when they submit signed satisfaction agreements or certificates showing no complaints filed with regulators, their appeals often fail because the platform’s system deems_toggle “insufficient evidence.” As a result, order volumes at some studios have dropped sharply, and some sales teams have even resigned en masse. According to the industry association, as of December 2025, direct economic losses caused by false “avoid-at-all-costs” posts have exceeded RMB 1 million, with indirect order losses reaching more than RMB 5 million.
Public opinion online has been divided. Some users believe that certain “avoid-at-all-costs” posts have deteriorated in nature and have expressed concern about Xiaohongshu’s overall content environment. Another perspective shifts the focus to the travel photography businesses and the industry itself, arguing that the key to avoiding such posts lies in improving service quality.
Industry experts note that social platforms such as Xiaohongshu have effectively become part of the infrastructure for tourism services. Meanwhile, structural issues within the travel photography industry—such as cutthroat low-price competition, hidden fees, and non-standardized services—objectively increase the difficulty for platforms to verify the authenticity of content. Experts suggest that platforms should consider establishing collective appeal and communication mechanisms tailored to regional industries, while industry associations should help optimize the environment for public opinion oversight through standardization efforts.
Cyberspace Administration issues regulations to standardize the behavior of online influencer accounts
On December 26, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released the Notice on Regulating the Management of Online Influencer Account Conduct, establishing a negative list for online influencer account behavior and defining clear boundaries for such conduct.
According to the notice, the negative list of prohibited behaviors for online influencer accounts includes: (1) spreading vulgar content; (2) promoting unhealthy value orientations; (3) creating “ugliness-as-spectacle” or otherwise harmful personas; (4) disseminating false information; (5) distorting or misinterpreting policies and public events; (6) inciting group antagonism; (7) doxxing or publicly exposing individuals at will; (8) organizing offline fights or online flame wars; (9) soliciting negative leads or accusations; (10) calling on fans to gather or mobilize; (11) engaging in coercive or extortionary practices for personal gain; (12) conducting operations without required qualifications; and (13) covertly engaging in illegal or gray-market activities.
The notice requires all websites and platforms to conscientiously implement relevant laws, regulations, and policies, strictly fulfill their primary responsibilities in accordance with the negative list, and further improve community rules and user agreements related to the management of online influencer accounts. Platforms are also instructed to strengthen, in accordance with the law and platform rules, the management of content publishing, live-stream interactions, topic creation, and other behaviors by online influencer accounts, guiding operators to use their influence responsibly and to standardize online speech and conduct.
Honor releases the WIN series gaming smartphones
On December 26, Honor launched the WIN series smartphones in Chengdu, introducing two models—Honor WIN and Honor WIN RT—with starting prices of RMB 3,999 and RMB 2,699 respectively. The WIN series is a brand upgrade of the previous GT lineup and is positioned squarely in the professional gaming phone market.
In terms of performance, the entire Honor WIN lineup is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon platforms. The Honor WIN features the fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.1 storage. To improve endurance, the WIN series raises battery capacity to 10,000mAh for the first time, supporting 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless fast charging (standard model only). The new phones also support bypass charging, allowing the charger to power the motherboard directly to reduce heat buildup while gaming and charging simultaneously.
The Honor WIN series introduces the “Dongfeng Turbo” active cooling system, which uses an ultra-compact fan and a direct-drive high-efficiency cooling air duct. Official figures claim a 30% improvement in cooling efficiency, with fan noise as low as 25 dB. On the display front, the phones are equipped with a 185Hz ultra-high-refresh-rate esports screen, support 5,920Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, and are optimized for ultra-frame-rate modes in multiple mainstream games.
The Honor WIN series also features dedicated esports antennas to ensure low-latency performance in weak network conditions. Additional features include AI-assisted control enhancements and anti-mis-touch functions. At the launch event, Honor announced a strategic partnership with Delta Force, with the WIN series designated as the official device for its professional league. Honor stated that it will further build out a gaming ecosystem around the WIN series, including future products such as tablets.
Plaintiff presents forged evidence bearing Doubao AI watermarks, receives a judicial reprimand
Recently, the Civil Division II of the Dawu County Court in Xiaogan, Hubei Province, identified a plaintiff’s attempt to fabricate evidence using AI technology during the trial of a housing lease contract dispute, and issued a formal reprimand in accordance with the law.
In May 2024, Li signed a housing lease contract with Xiong, agreeing on the lease term and rent, and specifying that the rent for the latter half of the term must be paid by March 2025. After the lease expired, Li sued Xiong for failing to pay the remaining rent as well as water and electricity fees, appointing his daughter Dong as his litigation agent.
During the hearing, Li was unable to provide valid proof that Xiong owed water and electricity charges. Dong stated in court that Xiong was the first tenant of the property and that all utility costs were incurred by him, and promised to submit photos of the water and electricity meters from before and after the lease period as supporting evidence after the hearing. However, the photos Dong submitted clearly bore a “Generated by Doubao AI” watermark, which immediately raised the judge’s suspicions. Further examination revealed inconsistencies in Dong’s statements: she initially claimed that the meters were used independently, but later admitted under questioning that two households shared the same meters. Faced with the judge’s inquiries, Dong was unable to justify her claims and ultimately admitted to fabricating the evidence, subsequently submitting the genuine photos to the court.
The presiding judge gave Dong a serious lesson in the rule of law, pointing out that using AI-generated images as litigation evidence constitutes the fabrication of key evidence and is suspected of disrupting judicial order. Taking into account that Dong voluntarily confessed during the investigation and promptly corrected her mistake, the court followed a principle of combining punishment with education, opting to handle the matter by way of a reprimand and refusing to admit the fabricated evidence.
Internationally, the use of AI-generated false materials in litigation has also become increasingly common. A database established by French lawyer Damien Charlotin has collected more than 600 cases worldwide. When such errors are discovered, many lawyers attempt to deflect responsibility with various excuses, such as claiming they did not know they were using AI, did not realize AI could hallucinate, alleging that hackers remotely altered the files, or even saying it was too inconvenient to switch windows on a laptop so they used AI. Some lawyers have even tried to shift the blame to interns or clients.
Beijing arbitration case clarifies that dismissal due to a role being replaced by AI constitutes unlawful termination
On December 26, the Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau released its 2025 annual collection of representative labor and personnel dispute arbitration cases. Among them, an arbitration case arising from AI replacing a job position explicitly clarified that “AI replacing a position does not equal lawful dismissal.”
According to the case details, Liu had worked for many years at a technology company, responsible for traditional manual map data collection. In early 2024, the company decided to fully shift to AI-driven automated data collection, abolishing the department and corresponding positions where Liu worked. At the end of 2024, the company terminated Liu’s labor contract on the grounds that “the objective circumstances on which the labor contract was based have undergone a material change, making the contract impossible to continue performing.” Liu believed the termination was unlawful and therefore applied for arbitration.
In its analysis, the arbitration committee pointed out that the company’s introduction of AI technology was a proactive technological upgrade undertaken to adapt to market competition. Although such changes may lead to adjustments in job structures, they do not meet the criteria of “objective circumstances,” which require characteristics of irresistibility and unpredictability. Terminating a labor contract on the grounds that a position has been replaced by AI essentially shifts the normal risks of technological iteration onto the employee. The arbitration committee thus determined that the company’s action constituted unlawful termination.
The arbitration committee further noted that, in the context of rapid technological development, employers should give priority to properly accommodating affected employees through measures such as negotiating changes to labor contracts, providing skills training, and arranging internal job transfers. If termination of a labor contract is indeed necessary, employers must strictly comply with relevant regulations and avoid mechanically applying “material changes in objective circumstances” as a justification for dismissal.
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
According to the November 2025 Domestic Mobile Phone Market Operation Analysis Reportreleased by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), domestic brands shipped 23.228 million units in November, down 12.6% year over year, accounting for 77.7% of total shipments. Meanwhile, shipments of foreign-brand phones reached 6.93 million units, up 128.4% year over year. This surge is likely related to adjustments by manufacturers such as Apple in promotions, channel strategies, or new product release cycles.
Weibo user “定焦数码” claimed that “a new iteration of the iPhone Air is confirmed to launch and will appear at the fall event. In addition, the iPhone 17e has already entered mass production and will be seen at the spring event.” This differs from earlier reporting by The Information, which stated that due to lukewarm market performance of the first-generation iPhone Air, Apple had informed its supply chain to remove the second-generation product from the 2026 roadmap, possibly delaying it until 2027.
X user Kosutami recently shared a set of photos said to be prototypes of the first-generation AirPods, showing two bright color options Apple once experimented with: pink and yellow. The prototypes were described as using an “iPhone 5C color scheme.” Although these colorways never made it into mass production, the level of finish on the prototypes suggests that Apple seriously considered breaking away from its single-white design tradition during the early development stage.
Recent highlights: [China] Crimes Against Humanity, [China] Mirage City, [Japanese drama] Lies Upon Lies Remain Lies, 🔦 [Film] Nothing but Remembrance, 🔦 [Film] Falling in Love with You Across Parallel Timelines, [Film] The Mysterious Gaze of Flamenco, [Korean drama] Made in Korea, [British drama] Trigger Point Season 3, [Animation] Elephant, [Interview] First-Person Plural Season 3, [Documentary] Born Wild
Several exciting trailers: Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure official trailer, Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising new trailer, first trailer for the live-action Look Back, first trailer for The Odyssey, first trailer for Avengers 5, and a new trailer for 96 Minutes: Train Bombing Case
Several pieces of film & TV news: Jump Festa 2026 anime news roundup, Time Traveler confirmed for mainland China release on January 17, Return to Silent Hill confirmed for mainland China release on January 23, Pegasus 3 scheduled for release on February 17
Based on reader feedback, if a recommendation contains spoilers (revealing core story elements, hidden threads, foreshadowing, or the ending), we will add a 🔦 emoji before the title of the corresponding work.
You can find previous recommendations here, or by clicking the tag #What to Watch at the end of the article. For more themed watchlists, click here. If you’d like to read more in-depth film and TV content, feel free to follow our spin-off column “Watch What Café.” As always, we welcome your suggestions in the comments—thank you for your continued support and love for the “What to Watch” column.
[China] Crimes Against Humanity
Keywords: Drama / History
Also known as: 731 / Jinglan Yue / Man’s Inhumanity to Man
Runtime: approx. 45–80 minutes per episode × 20 episodes
@潘誉晗: On December 13, China’s National Memorial Day, a series titled Crimes Against Humanity quietly premiered on Youku Video, while also airing simultaneously on Jiangsu TV. Focusing on the crimes against humanity committed by Japan’s Unit 731 on Chinese soil, the series launched without any excessive promotion, yet managed to break out of its niche purely through its faithful restoration of historical truth.
The series adopts a dual-timeline structure. One timeline is set in Harbin in 1992, where Xiao Jin, a staff member at the Unit 731 Exhibition Hall, embarks on a decade-long, cross-border journey of investigation and evidence collection to make up for gaps in the museum’s historical records. The other timeline returns to that dark era, depicting the series of atrocities committed by the invading Japanese forces in Harbin.
What deserves the greatest praise is the series’ refusal to rely on overtly sensational or emotionally manipulative scenes. Instead, it reconstructs the brutal truths of history in an extremely restrained and calm manner. Shots with almost no dialogue are laden with meaning; even a simple overhead empty frame becomes a silent indictment of the complete erosion of humanity within the Japanese army. By telling the story through the fates of ordinary individuals, the narrative makes the pain all the more piercing—because in that era, every civilian was trapped in fear and despair.
[China] Mirage City
Keywords: Fantasy / Mystery
Runtime: approx. 50 minutes per episode × 24 episodes
The Mao Pian team is opening a brand-new rabbit hole!
@利兹与青鸟: The new series from Youying Culture, the team behind Mao Pian, dropped its entire season at once last Friday. Like The Record of Unusual Creatures, its premise is wildly imaginative, yet it still sticks to the team’s signature style—twist upon twist, with a touch of unreliable narration.
Hovering above Dengzhou City—is it a mirage, or a city that can actually fly? Are the mysterious iron-armored figures, impervious to blades and spears, wielding powerful magic, or are darker forces at work? Are the people who vanished and later returned suffering from lost souls, or is there another hidden truth? Among the emperor, the crown prince, the King of Jingnan, and Baili Yuan, which faction truly stands on the side of justice? A group of protagonists with extraordinary skills, distinct identities, and their own motives and secrets forge bonds through repeated brushes with death, unravel countless mysteries, and search for the truth behind an unknown power.
Although the main roles are played by a different cast, the presence of “Brother Bao” signals that the creative team still retains strong control over the project. The world-building is expansive, with echoes of many classic science fiction works. Characters constantly exploit one another; schemes are layered upon schemes, loyalties flip back and forth, and details that initially seem illogical often turn out to be foreshadowing or are later explained. That said, limited budgets and uneven performances have long been the team’s weak points. Fortunately, the action scenes this time are fairly convincing, and the lighthearted comic relief lands a few genuine smiles. A post-credits scene plants yet another new hook—here’s hoping the next season won’t be too far away.
[Japanese Drama] A Lie within a Lie Is Still a Lie
Keywords: Drama / Mystery
Also known as: A Lie Is a Lie and a Lie Is a Lie / 嘘が嘘で嘘は嘘だ
Runtime: approx. 23 minutes per episode × 4 episodes; Douban link
Before a lie is exposed, it is the truth.
@SHY: On a snow-filled Christmas night, Omori Manko—whose life has been riddled with setbacks—walks into an izakaya and reunites with her ex-husband, Kobayashi Kosuke, for a long-overdue meal. Before long, a handsome man with a surgically altered face who claims to be a marriage scammer, Nakamura Nobukazu, and a police detective with a wounded forehead, Namiki Masayoshi, join them one after another. The four, brought together by coincidence, may be hiding far bigger secrets behind their words.
Screenwriter Ubukata Miku, known for well-received dramas such as Silent Snow and The Flower I Love Most, returns this time with what she herself calls a “talk-heavy ethical romance mystery psychological thriller sitcom.” Centered on the theme of “lies,” the series uses delightfully twisted yet witty dialogue to reflect the blurred boundaries between truth and falsehood in human life. Among the four who all claim to be honest with one another, which lines are true—and who is lying? With assured, skillful writing weaving together exquisite layers of foreshadowing, every line of dialogue is worth savoring again and again.
A hit-and-run accident scrolling across the TV news, the identities of two people who present themselves as a con artist and a police officer, and the affair partner that led to the protagonist’s divorce all seem far from simple. Beneath the calm surface of the tavern, undercurrents swirl, gradually revealing a much larger picture through casual conversation. While the real world is filled with cruel truths and lies, within this entirely fictional drama there may still be a path toward a happy ending. This situational play, unfolding over the course of a single night, is a different kind of Christmas gift for the audience.
🔦 [Film] All That’s Left of You
Keywords: Drama
Also known as: All That’s Left of You / The Vanished Homeland
This is clearly the orange grove my family has cultivated for generations.
@潘誉晗: Selected by Jordan to compete for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, All That’s Left of You is written, directed, and starring Sherine Dabis. Through four different time periods and a multi-threaded narrative, the film tells the extraordinary 75-year family history of a Palestinian family.
The family once lived a simple yet happy life in the Jaffa region, with an orange grove passed down through generations and a relatively prosperous livelihood. Then war arrived, and everything changed. The 1948 Middle East war turned tens of thousands of Palestinians into refugees. They only wanted to live their quiet, ordinary lives, yet the flames of war forced this once-complete family into displacement. The husband who stayed behind in Jaffa was arrested for refusing to hand over the orange grove; the wife, taking the children into hiding in the West Bank, not only had to comfort them but also shoulder the extra burden left by her husband’s sudden absence.
Drawing on her own experiences, the director approaches the story with a remarkably gentle touch, gradually lifting the veil on a cruel past. As the timelines shift, we witness how pain and pressure are slowly imposed upon this family, long concealed beneath the layers of history.
🔦 [Film] Falling in Love with You Across Parallel Timelines
@潘誉晗: In Saint Petersburg, at a flat viewing, Eliza meets Vanya. To secure an apartment in the city center amid a crowd of prospective tenants, Vanya naturally slips his arm around Eliza, pretending they are a loving couple. Once the lease is signed, Vanya promptly turns his back on her, intending to move in alone. Eliza, however, refuses to back down. After a brief tussle, she successfully moves into the apartment as well. On the night she moves in, Eliza hears the thundering sounds of a party coming from the other side of the apartment. When she opens the bathroom door, she discovers that beyond it lies a parallel everyday world identical to this one—except that over there, it is Vanya who has rented the place.
With a production budget of only $800,000, the film nevertheless received widespread acclaim upon its release in Russia. Falling in love across a mirror and between parallel worlds, brought about by a shift in time and space, may not be an entirely new idea, but it still feels delightful. What is even more surprising is that the romance between the two leads is built on emotional closeness rather than physical contact. Eliza, previously trapped in a toxic, manipulative relationship, finds her way out with Vanya’s help, while the playboy Vanya is prompted by Eliza’s words to confront his true self—because compared to touching a real body, reaching the soul matters far more.
Do not meet my gaze—because within my eyes lies a plague.
@潘誉晗: In 1980, a mining town in the northern Chilean desert becomes home to a group of transgender women. Heavily made up, they live boldly and flamboyantly. A local legend circulates here, claiming that if you lock eyes with them, your soul will be stolen—and you will be infected by a plague. The plague, of course, terrifies people, yet desire entangles their reason. So they come up with what they believe is a brilliant solution—when bodies intertwine, just cover your eyes, and everything will be fine.
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, 30-year-old director Diego Céspedes drew attention in the Un Certain Regard section with his debut feature The Mysterious Gaze of Flamenco. The film carries a strong sense of magical realism, using “the plague” and “the gaze” as metaphors to explain AIDS at a time when it had not yet been named. AIDS is undeniably terrifying, but what is most ironic is how the people of this conservative town fear the disease while simultaneously craving the fulfillment of their own desires. Left with no way out, they resort to such absurd methods, believing they can block the virus this way. Yet the virus of prejudice—can it really be erased so easily, simply by covering one’s eyes?
[Korean Drama] Made in Korea
Keywords: Drama
Also known as: 메이드 인 코리아 / Made in Korea
Runtime: approx. 50 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
@利兹与青鸟: In 1970, a Japanese passenger plane is hijacked by a communist revolutionary group and ordered to fly to North Korea. Despite the hijackers being armed with knives and guns, the situation is quickly brought under control by a certain “businessman.” He not only helps the hijackers negotiate with the Japanese and South Korean governments, proposing a solution that satisfies all parties, but also discreetly takes care of the drugs he is carrying. This businessman—whose intelligence and combat skills are maxed out—is in fact the head of the Intelligence Division at the Busan branch of South Korea’s Central Intelligence Agency, secretly assisting a drug trafficking syndicate backed by his director. Meanwhile, the righteous and relentless prosecutor Jang Geon-yeong, himself a legendary figure, sets his sights on this very syndicate, and a battle of evenly matched forces between good and evil begins.
The series boasts polished cinematography, using cold, restrained tones to underscore a corrupt and chaotic social backdrop. The two-male-lead showdown between Korean A-listers Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung gives the drama plenty of star power. That said, after the film The President’s Last Bang achieved notable success, starting with the same incident does put this show at a slight disadvantage, and the leads’ every gesture sometimes feels as if they are posing for a fashion spread—perhaps a bit too stylish, occasionally breaking immersion. Still, this type of subject matter sits squarely in the comfort zone of director Woo Min-ho and Hive Media Corp, the production company behind 12.12: The Day, so the overall production quality is well assured. With moments of light, witty humor sprinkled in to ease the tension, it’s a solid watch for those intrigued by the genre.
[British Drama] Trigger Point Season 3
Keywords: Drama / Thriller / Crime
Also known as: Trigger Point Season 3
Runtime: approx. 60 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
@潘誉晗: One day, a crude explosive device is discovered near a stretch of wasteland. Upon receiving the alert, Lana’s unit heads to the scene immediately. There is a car on the wasteland, with a man inside desperately pounding on the window for help. As Lana approaches to defuse the bomb, she unexpectedly discovers that the device conceals an unidentified chemical weapon. Just a few days later, during an inspection at a university, Lana’s team finds a professor who has been bound. Left at the scene is a note reading “Confess or die.” The same note had appeared inside the car days earlier—clearly indicating that both incidents were the work of the same perpetrator.
Produced by ITV, Trigger Point returns in its third season, once again using a series of linked explosions to highlight both the difficulty and the allure of life in a bomb disposal unit. No longer young, Lana relies on medication to withstand the relentless pressure of the job, yet when faced with an explosive crisis, she still demonstrates exceptional professional competence. The cases in this season also reflect social issues with real-world relevance. Buried beneath the chain of incidents is the truth of ordinary workers pushed and deceived by capital, rising up in resistance. With tight pacing, extensive on-location shooting, and impressive explosion effects, the series delivers a story that feels both gripping and grounded in reality.
@SHY: This Christmas, some of Cartoon Network’s most celebrated creators came together for a wondrous adventure that even they themselves did not fully anticipate. Jointly created by Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), and Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall), the project adopts a “blind men and the elephant” approach: each creator was only allowed to work on their own segment, with no communication or sharing of ideas, yet all parts ultimately had to merge into a single story. To make this possible, they agreed in advance on the concept of “rebirth”—each chapter ends with the protagonist’s death—and collectively designed and selected each other’s bizarre characters and the sequence in which they would appear.
Needless to say, the film becomes a showcase of wildly different artistic styles. It opens with Ward’s indescribable creature escaping from a laboratory, embarking on a bizarre flight alongside a frog-like right hand and a spy cat; next, Sugar’s character awakens in a room, the music button on their chest turning them into the center of a carnival, only for something uncanny to emerge once the music stops; McHale then closes things out by throwing all restraint to the wind, as a protagonist who dies and revives again and again ultimately finds solace within. While the overall structure may feel a bit loose, a shared theme can be sensed throughout, packed with quirky ideas that a regular series could hardly contain. It’s a truly singular creative experiment—and very likely 20 minutes you won’t forget.
[Interview] First-Person Plural Season 3
Keywords: Humanities
Also known as: Im Schwarm
Runtime: approx. 60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
To update the world is to become an updated version of yourself.
@潘誉晗: In 2023, Youku launched a talk show titled First-Person Plural. With Zhou Yijun as the initiator of each discussion, the program invites guests from different fields in every episode to explore socially meaningful topics in depth through conversation. Seated around a table, guests from across disciplines engage in boundary-free dialogue, naturally drawing widespread attention online. The first two seasons, already aired, garnered considerable praise. And so, amid eager anticipation from fans, this show—regarded by many viewers as a refreshing presence—has finally returned this month.
The very first episode of the new season invites well-known host Dong Yuhui and Xiang Biao, a professor of social anthropology at the University of Oxford. Starting from the topic of “e-commerce platforms,” they discuss history, development, and the future. The choice of subject is timely and highly relatable—after all, in this era of rapid internet expansion, shopping on e-commerce platforms has become an everyday part of our lives. What makes the conversation especially engaging is that Professor Xiang, who has lived in Europe for many years, is not particularly adept at online shopping. From their respective standpoints, these two guests from different fields spark moments of intellectual collision and resonance, offering viewers a rich exchange of ideas.
[Documentary] Born to Be Wild
Keywords: Nature
Also known as: Born to Be Wild
Runtime: approx. 30 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
@利兹与青鸟: To help the young of endangered species survive, jungles around the world are home to various rescue organizations and wildlife centers. Over the course of several years, the production team followed and filmed six baby animals rescued by humans: a young sloth bear from the forests of northern India, an abandoned elephant calf in Zambia in southern Africa, African black-footed penguins from South Africa, ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar, cheetahs from the South African savannah, and the Iberian lynx from southern Spain. All of them are rare and endangered in the wild. Abandoned by their parents or threatened by illegal poaching, they are helped by rescue centers that invest immense effort and care to teach them survival skills, enabling them to eventually return to the wild.
Narrated by British actor Hugh Bonneville, the documentary devotes each episode to a single species, documenting the process of rescue, treatment, feeding, and learning how to survive in the wild, all the way through to life after release. Black-footed penguins are sometimes forced to abandon unhatched eggs as temperatures rise—a heartbreaking sight; to help a young sloth bear return to nature, rescuers must build temporary shelters deep in the forest and stay with it to teach survival skills, an exhausting task; and a lone elephant calf must learn not only how to use its trunk but also how to socialize, which proves surprisingly delightful to watch. While marveling at the irresistible cuteness of these young animals, viewers also gain insight into their habits and the realities of wildlife rescue, making this series well worth watching.
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[China] Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty: The Chang’an County Magistrate @潘誉晗: As a spin-off of the Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty series, this short drama The Chang’an County Magistrate centers on Wei Tao, the Chang’an county magistrate from the Season 3 case “So Close to the Heavens.” It tells the story of the first case he investigates after taking office—the mysterious deaths of eight elderly residents at the “Courtyard of Tragedy.” In the original series, Magistrate Wei, marked by a strong sense of clan honor, earned much sympathy for seeking revenge for his sister. This short drama presents his story as a prequel, offering viewers a measure of emotional consolation.
[US Series] Robin Hood @潘誉晗: England, 1186. The Saxons suffer under Norman oppression and enslavement. Robert’s father is executed for resisting, and his mother soon dies as well. Driven by revenge—and by a growing awakening to national freedom—Robert decides to rally warriors willing to fight back against Norman rule. Unlike the familiar image of robbing the rich to aid the poor, Amazon’s reboot of Robin Hood presents him as a symbol of national dignity and freedom. Blending adventure with historical elements, the series delivers solid production values and a well-paced overall rhythm.
[US Series] Spartacus: House of Ashur @潘誉晗: Starz has recently launched a spin-off of Spartacus, with the protagonist being Ashur—the antagonist who was beheaded atop Mount Vesuvius in Season 2. The series adopts a parallel-universe approach, imagining that Ashur survives, gains honor by killing Spartacus, and sets out to revive the gladiator school. Carrying on the style of the original, the spin-off remains lavishly bloody, paired with intricate power struggles—a Roman history retold through the lens of violent aesthetics.
[Film] She, Like a Diamond @利兹与青鸟: The director and cast sit around a table reading the script together, jointly sketching the story of female seamstresses in a fashion studio in the 1970s. Rather than employing a play-within-a-play structure, the film weaves real-life script discussions into the narrative, preserving its integrity and making it easier for audiences to immerse themselves. Amid rich, colorful visuals and exquisitely crafted garments, women of very different personalities support one another through hardship, unleashing remarkable talent and moving strength.
[Animation] THE LENTICULARS a/ @SHY: After accidentally confessing his feelings to his crush Sawaki, Raku unexpectedly receives a positive response—though their relationship is far from smooth sailing. Director Tetsu Amemiya, renowned for his keen grasp of JK and DK sensibilities, finally sets aside show-stealing sci-fi concepts to deliver a straightforward school romance anime. Carrying forward the fine tradition of the 4S series’ mini-theater style, this work—essentially built on simple “paper-doll” movements—radiates youthful energy that can outshine many big productions. The delicate touches scattered throughout invite repeated appreciation. Please serve up the full a/b-side version as soon as possible.
[Animation] Undead Unluck: Winter Arc @SHY: Amid a blizzard triggered by a UMA, a fierce battle is about to erupt. Elsewhere, Andy and Fuuko, traveling by plane, are ambushed by assassins sent by Billy. Serving as a transitional arc between two TV anime seasons produced by different teams, this installment mainly depicts an original story based on the concepts of original author Yoshifumi Tozuka. Director Sung Hoo Park and E&H Production, taking over the subsequent project, largely recreate the strengths seen in their other works—the animation is striking, the action scenes are satisfyingly intense, and hopes are high that the second season will maintain this level of quality.
On December 20, the anime Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure released its first official trailer. The 1st STAGE is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on March 19, 2026. Adapted from the manga by Hirohiko Araki, the series is directed by Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, produced by david production, and follows the epic STEEL BALL RUN—a cross-North America horseback race of the century. Source
On December 21, the animated film Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgisnacht Rising unveiled a new trailer and is set to open in Japan in February 2026. Akiyuki Shinbo serves as chief director, Yukihiro Miyamoto directs, Gen Urobuchi writes the script, Yuki Kajiura composes the music, Junichiro Taniguchi handles character design, Gekidan Inu Curry designs the otherworldly spaces, and SHAFT produces. Source
On December 21, the live-action adaptation of Look Back released a teaser trailer and is slated for release in Japan in 2026. Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga of the same name, the film is directed, written, and edited by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The original work tells the story of the extraordinary bond between two girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, brought together by manga, and won first place in the 2021 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (Men’s category). Source
On December 22, director Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey debuted its first trailer and is set to release in North America on July 17, 2026. Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and more, the film depicts Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War. Source
On December 23, Avengers 5: Doomsday released its first teaser trailer and will open in North America on December 18, 2026. Directed by the Russo brothers, the film sees Chris Evans return as Steve Rogers, Robert Downey Jr. return as the villain Doctor Doom, with Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and others also starring. Source
On December 23, Taiwan’s box-office-topping film 96 Minutes: The Train Bombing Case released a new trailer. Produced by Zou Jiezhong and directed by Hong Zixuan, with a screenplay by Hong Zixuan, Chen Yifang, and Yang Wanru, the film stars Austin Lin, Vivian Sung, Wang Po-chieh, and Lee Lee-zen, with Yao Yi-ti and Tsai Fan-hsi co-starring. It is scheduled for mainland China release on January 10, 2026.
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TV anime Medalist Season 2 — New Trailer: Adapted from the manga of the same name by Tsurumai Kaita, the series continues to be directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto, written by Jukki Hanada, with music by Yuki Hayashi and production by ENGI. It carries on the story of young skater Tsukasa Akeuraji and the girl Inori Yuitsuka as they set their sights on the world stage of figure skating. Broadcast begins January 24. Source
Film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man — First Trailer: Directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, with Cillian Murphy reprising his starring role. Set in Birmingham in 1940, amid the chaos of World War II, Tommy Shelby returns from self-imposed exile. The film will receive a limited theatrical release in North America on March 6, followed by a Netflix release on March 20. Source
Film A Step into the Past — Final Trailer Released: The film is adapted from the classic novel of the same name by Wong Yi. Louis Koo serves as chief producer, with Ng Yuen-fai and Lai Chun-lung co-directing. Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, and Tavia Yeung reunite as the main cast. The film opens on December 31.
📽 Weekly Film & TV News
Jump Festa 2026 Anime News Roundup During the Jump Festa 2026 carnival held on December 20–21, Weekly Shonen Jump revealed the latest updates on many of its manga titles. Below is a small selection of highlights worth noting: Source
Anime Chainsaw Man:Assassin Arc — Production Announced: Adapted from the manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto and produced by MAPPA. Devil hunters from around the world travel to Japan to kill Chainsaw Man, pushing Denji into even harsher circumstances. Staff details and release timing to be announced;
TV anime Kaiju No. 8: Final Arc — Production Announced: Adapted from the manga by Naoya Matsumoto. The first two seasons were directed by Shigeyuki Miya and produced by Production I.G. An original short animation titled Narumi’s Workday has also been announced, with release details to be revealed later.
Time Travelers — Mainland China Release Set for January 17
On December 22, the animated feature Time Travelers released its mainland China release trailer and poster, confirming a January 17 theatrical debut. Produced by Natalie Portman and directed by Hugo Bienvenu, the film tells the story of a boy named Arco and a girl named Iris, separated by a thousand years, who meet across time and embark on an adventure together. The film won the Crystal Award for Best Feature Film at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Source
Return to Silent Hill — Mainland China Release Set for January 23
On December 26, the film Return to Silent Hill unveiled its mainland China release trailer and poster, and will open on January 23, day-and-date with North America. Christophe Gans returns to direct, with Jeremy Irvine and Hannah Emily Anderson starring. After receiving a mysterious letter from his missing lover, protagonist James is drawn back to the town of Silent Hill—once familiar, now consumed by darkness. Source
Pegasus 3 — Release Date Set for February 17
On December 26, Pegasus 3 was officially dated for a February 17 release during the Lunar New Year holiday period. Written and directed by Han Han, the film stars Shen Teng, with Yin Zheng, Huang Jingyu, and Zhang Benyu also leading, alongside Wei Xiang, Sha Yi, Fan Chengcheng, and Sun Yizhou, and special appearances by Duan Yihong. With the Bayinbuluk Rally now behind him, the former racing legend heads onto an all-new track, facing challenges unknown. Source
Microsoft announces BitLocker will support hardware acceleration
ASUS launches RT-BE90U wireless router
Critical security vulnerability discovered in MongoDB
Alibaba open-sources Tongyi Qwen-Image-Edit-2511 image editing AI model
Lenovo Watch GT Pro officially goes on sale
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
Xiaomi unveils multiple new products
On December 25, Xiaomi unveiled a range of new products, including the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, 17 Ultra Leica Edition, Xiaomi Buds 6, and Xiaomi Watch 5.
First up is the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi’s latest imaging flagship. In terms of design, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra series features a 2D flat display paired with a completely flat, straight-edged frame. With a thickness of 8.29 mm, it is the slimmest Ultra model in the series to date. Color options include black, white, purple, and green, and the device supports IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
On the imaging front, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is equipped with a Leica 1-inch Light Fusion Master main camera and a Leica 200-megapixel optical zoom telephoto lens. The main camera uses the Light Fusion 1050L sensor, featuring a 1-inch large sensor, 3.2 μm pixels, an f/1.67 aperture, and third-generation LOFIC ultra-high dynamic range technology. Its single-pixel full well capacity has increased to 6.3× that of the previous generation, supporting high dynamic range scenarios such as Fireworks mode. The telephoto camera adopts a new-generation HPE sensor, reducing power consumption by 40% compared to its predecessor. It measures 1/1.4 inches and delivers 200 megapixels. This lens supports continuous optical zoom, covering 75 mm to 100 mm mid-telephoto full-sensor optical output, with telephoto relay options at 200 mm and 400 mm. It is also the first Leica APO optical lens on a mobile device, supporting 4K Live Photos and multiple camera movement modes.
For the display, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra features a 6.9-inch low-power “sunlight” display using M10 emissive materials and a new red primary emissive material, protected by Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0. Powering the device is Qualcomm’s fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Supreme Edition processor, paired with a 6800 mAh battery that supports 90 W wired fast charging, 50 W wireless fast charging, and the PPS universal fast charging protocol. In terms of connectivity, it supports Xiaomi Star Communication and UWB ultra-wideband interconnection technology. Pricing starts at RMB 6,999 for the 12 GB + 512 GB configuration.
Following the launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Xiaomi also introduced the 17 Ultra Leica Edition. This version continues Leica’s design language in its exterior details, including the iconic Leica red dot, a black-and-white two-tone body, finely knurled frame, and exclusive Leica engravings. The rear camera area features a Master Zoom Ring for focal length adjustment, with customizable parameters such as exposure compensation and white balance. In terms of imaging styles, the 17 Ultra Leica Edition offers one-tap Leica modes, including Leica M9 image rendering and Leica M3 + MONOPAN 50 black-and-white film aesthetics, as well as exclusive imaging options like a 3:2 full-frame aspect ratio. This edition also adds Beidou + Tiantong dual-satellite communication and a secure privacy encryption chip. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition starts at RMB 7,999 for the 16 GB + 512 GB version.
At the same event, Xiaomi also unveiled the Xiaomi Buds 6. Xiaomi states that these earbuds feature a bionic curved structure, weighing just 4.2 g per earbud, and are available in four color options. They are equipped with triple-magnet gold-plated drivers, co-tuned with Harman, and support end-to-end true lossless audio, spatial audio, intelligent translation recording, and real-time interpretation. Battery life can reach up to 35 hours, with a price of RMB 699.
In addition, the Xiaomi Watch 5 was announced. It features a 47 mm, 1.54-inch AMOLED display and a dual-sided synthetic sapphire glass body, powered by the Snapdragon W5 processor and a BES2800 low-power chip. It supports standalone eSIM, an on-wrist control center, EMG micro-gesture control, ECG electrocardiogram analysis, and over 150 sports modes. Battery life reaches up to 6 days in performance mode and up to 18 days in power-saving mode. Pricing starts at RMB 1,999. Source
Microsoft announces BitLocker will support hardware acceleration
Microsoft has announced that BitLocker in Windows 11 (25H2) and Windows Server 2025 now supports CPU hardware encryption. After enabling BitLocker, the encryption workload is shifted from the software layer to a dedicated encryption engine, reducing the performance overhead typically caused by software-based encryption. According to Microsoft, the new approach can significantly improve storage read and write performance: sequential read speeds increase from 1,632 MB/s to 3,746 MB/s, write speeds rise from 1,510 MB/s to 3,530 MB/s, and CPU usage is reduced by approximately 70%.
At present, hardware-accelerated BitLocker is only available on vPro devices equipped with “Panther Lake” processors, with support expected to expand to more devices in the future. Source
ASUS launches RT-BE90U wireless router
On December 25, ASUS introduced the RT-BE90U wireless router. The new model supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with a BE9400 wireless specification, including advanced Wi-Fi 7 features such as 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4096-QAM, and MLO, and can expand home networks via AiMesh. In terms of hardware, the RT-BE90U is equipped with four 2.5 GbE RJ45 ports and six external antennas. The rear of the device also includes a USB-A (5 Gbps) port for network sharing with external devices.
On the software and feature side, the router supports Smart Home Master, allowing users to configure up to three SSIDs for device categorization and parental controls. It also integrates the enterprise-grade AiProtection security solution, providing more comprehensive protection for home networks. Source
Critical security vulnerability discovered in MongoDB
A critical security vulnerability has recently been disclosed in the popular non-relational database MongoDB. Assigned CVE-2025-14847, the flaw affects multiple versions of MongoDB and MongoDB Server. The vulnerability stems from inconsistent handling of length parameters, which could allow unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain control of affected systems.
MongoDB’s security team stated that clients could exploit a flaw in the server-side zlib implementation to trigger the return of uninitialized heap memory without authentication. The company strongly recommends upgrading to patched versions as soon as possible. MongoDB currently advises immediate updates to the following unaffected versions: MongoDB 4.4.30, 5.0.32, 6.0.27, 7.0.28, 8.0.17, and 8.2.3. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, users can mitigate the risk by explicitly removing zlib via the networkMessageCompressors or net.compression.compressors options when starting mongod or mongos, thereby disabling server-side zlib compression. Source
Alibaba open-sources Tongyi Qwen-Image-Edit-2511 image editing AI model
On December 25, Alibaba’s Tongyi Qwen announced the official open-sourcing of its image editing model, Qwen-Image-Edit-2511. This release focuses on strengthening consistency across multiple dimensions and improving overall generation quality.
Specifically, Qwen-Image-Edit-2511 enhances character consistency, integrates LoRA capabilities for lighting and multi-scene generation, and improves industrial design generation and geometric reasoning abilities. In addition, the new version further boosts consistency in multi-person group photo generation. While the earlier Qwen-Image-Edit-2509 had already improved single-person group photo consistency, this update addresses consistency challenges in multi-person scenarios, enabling the model to generate more coherent group photos based on two individual portraits.
Currently, Qwen-Image-Edit-2511 has been open-sourced simultaneously on the ModelScope and Hugging Face platforms. Source
Lenovo Watch GT Pro officially goes on sale
The Lenovo Watch GT Pro smartwatch officially went on sale on December 25, highlighting up to 27 days of battery life, dual-frequency GPS for precise positioning, 50-meter professional-grade water resistance, as well as outdoor features such as more than 170 sports modes and an altitude, barometer, and compass. The current price is RMB 899.
In terms of design, the Lenovo Watch GT Pro features a 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466, protected by Corning glass, and supports a wide range of free, customizable watch faces. The watch offers 5ATM professional water resistance and includes built-in swimming algorithms.
On the functionality side, the watch is compatible with both Android and iOS systems and comes with dual-frequency GPS positioning and 24/7 health monitoring. It supports heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress tracking, as well as breathing exercises and health reminders. For sports and fitness, it offers more than 170 workout modes. The smartwatch also supports Alipay payments, a compass, Bluetooth calling, message notifications, weather information, remote camera control, phone-finding, and a voice assistant. Source
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
According to The Korea Economic Daily, Samsung Electronics is accelerating its push toward GPU in-house development and plans to adopt a self-developed graphics IP in the Exynos 2800, which is expected to launch in 2027. The move aims to reduce reliance on AMD’s RDNA technology and increase autonomy in product iteration. Samsung also intends to extend its in-house GPU beyond smartphones to smart glasses, robotics, and automotive SoCs, while further expanding into the AI ASIC market. Source
WeChat Official Accounts roll out “paid boosting” feature
Ubiquiti launches AC1200 travel router UTR
Logitech releases G304 X LIGHTSPEED mouse
China Media Group releases its Top 10 Domestic and International Science & Technology News of 2025
NVIDIA reaches licensing agreement with AI chip startup Groq
Google lists Android Mini Bot Maze figurine
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
WeChat Official Accounts roll out “paid boosting” feature
On December 24, WeChat Official Accounts officially rolled out the “Paid Boosting” feature. Creators can access the “Paid Boosting” module in the Official Accounts backend and choose already published content for promotional boosting. Specifically, the feature allows creators to either increase readership or gain new followers. This service is paid and purchased using WeChat Beans. For individual creators with fewer than 10,000 followers, a free “Content Boost” feature is available. Together, “Paid Boosting” and “Content Boost” form a complementary traffic growth system that combines paid promotion with free incentives. Source
Ubiquiti launches AC1200 travel router UTR
On December 22, Ubiquiti announced the launch of the UTR Travel Router (UniFi Travel Router). This model allows users to sync their home network configuration while traveling, ensuring a consistent connectivity experience on the go. The UTR travel router measures 95.95 × 65 × 12.5 mm, weighs 89 g, has no built-in battery, and is powered via USB-C. It features a 1.14-inch status display. The router provides two 1GbE RJ45 uplink Ethernet ports, supports AC1200 Wi-Fi, and includes a USB-C port that supports USB network sharing. The official price is USD 79. Source
Logitech releases G304 X LIGHTSPEED mouse
On December 24, Logitech China listed the G304 X LIGHTSPEED mouse on its official website. The mouse retains the classic G304 design, but switches from replaceable batteries to a built-in 290 mAh lithium battery, with a claimed battery life of 106 hours. It uses a USB-C port for charging, weighs 57 g, and features a centered weight balance. The mouse supports both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connections, is equipped with the HERO 25K sensor and the new-generation LIGHTSPEED technology, and comes in black, white, purple, and pink color options. Pricing has not yet been announced. Source
China Media Group releases its Top 10 Domestic and International Science & Technology News of 2025
On December 24, China Media Group released its Top 10 Domestic and International Science & Technology News of 2025. Source
2025 Top 10 Domestic Science & Technology News:
China builds three world-class science and technology innovation centers
The State Council issues Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the “AI+” Initiative
Tianwen-2 successfully launched, marking China’s entry into asteroid exploration and sample return
“Artificial Sun” fusion device sets a “hundred-million-degree for a thousand seconds” record
China’s large-scale AI model DeepSeek draws global attention
“Zuchongzhi-3” quantum computing prototype sets a new world record
China’s first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier Fujian commissioned, ushering the PLA Navy into the three–aircraft-carrier era
Shenzhou-22 spacecraft launched in an emergency mission, creating a historical milestone with “uncrewed” operations
A series of robotics competitions held as China’s embodied intelligence industry flourishes
2025 Top 10 International Science & Technology News:
China leads rapid global development of renewable energy
Most detailed connectivity map of the mammalian brain completed
Antimatter qubits demonstrated for the first time
AI-powered virtual cells open a new paradigm for biological research
China launches an international scientific program in the field of fusion
Gravitational wave signals verify Hawking’s black hole area theorem
World’s first scalable photonic quantum computer prototype unveiled
Artificial “form vision” research restores sight to blind patients
Scientists observe a massive black hole merger event
World Federation of Engineering Organizations General Assembly releases the Shanghai Declaration 2025
NVIDIA reaches licensing agreement with AI chip startup Groq
On December 24, AI chip startup Groq announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with NVIDIA covering Groq’s inference technology. Under the agreement, NVIDIA will be able to use Groq’s technology in future chip designs, while several Groq executives—including its founder and president—will join NVIDIA. CNBC reported that the deal effectively amounts to NVIDIA acquiring Groq for $20 billion in cash, but NVIDIA denied this claim to other media outlets. Groq’s announcement also stated that the company will continue to operate independently, and that its GroqCloud business will remain in operation. Groq focuses on developing Language Processing Unit (LPU) chips designed to deliver high-performance, low-cost inference. Source
Google lists Android Mini Bot Maze figurine
Google’s official store has recently listed an Android a-MAZE-ing Collectible figurine. The figure stands about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 cm) tall, features a fully transparent shell, and contains a green marble maze structure inside. Users can tilt the figurine in different directions to guide a small metal ball through the maze. The robot’s arm joints are also articulated. The collectible is currently priced at $24. Source
Rumors You Can Just Glance At
According to The Information, OpenAI is discussing increasing the weight of sponsored advertising content within relevant Q&A responses in ChatGPT, as well as adding pop-up ads to the sidebar to better support shopping and similar use cases. Sources say OpenAI intends to remain “restrained” in its approach to advertising. Source
On December 24, according to Yicai, Bilibili stated that individuals who fabricated and spread false information claiming that “all Bilibili videos will require a paid membership to watch starting next year” have been apprehended and placed under administrative detention in accordance with the law. Bilibili also said it reserves the right to pursue further legal action against those responsible. Source
GTA copyright holder Take-Two Interactive has ordered DOS.Zone to take down an original GTA: Vice City save/load tool that allowed the game to be played directly in a web browser. Source
Microsoft Distinguished Engineer Galen Hunt, whose LinkedIn post previously drew widespread attention, has posted again to clarify rumors that “Microsoft will rewrite Windows in Rust to replace C and C++,” which were sparked by his earlier remarks. Source
Gmail’s Hindi-language help documentation has mentioned a feature allowing users to change their @gmail.com email address, noting that the change will be “gradually rolled out to all users.” Users will be able to change their Gmail address once every 12 months, up to a maximum of three times. Source
Around 1:00 a.m. local time, Steam store servers experienced a large-scale outage, with connection issues also affecting some Valve game servers. Services are currently being gradually restored. Source
