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  • Ring in Christmas Cheer and Welcome the New Year With These 9 Holiday Films

    Ring in Christmas Cheer and Welcome the New Year With These 9 Holiday Films

    🎄 Merry Christmas!

    As the Christmas atmosphere grows ever stronger on shopping streets and social platforms alike, decorating your home in full holiday style—like lifestyle influencers do—may not be so easy. But spending a weekend evening watching a Christmas-themed movie is always within reach. Whether it’s the heartwarming holiday romance Love Actually or the adventurous animated classic The Polar Express, both feel like perfect seasonal choices. In this special edition of What to Watch, we’ve selected 9 films ideal for Christmas viewing, hoping to bring you a touch of warmth during these cold winter days.

    The What to Watch column will periodically release themed special editions. While keeping an eye on weekly new releases, we also revisit beloved classics together.

    You can check out previous recommendations here or by clicking the tag #WhatToWatch at the end of the article. If you’d like more in-depth film and TV content, feel free to follow our spin-off column What to Watch Café. And as always, if you have other suggestions, you’re welcome to share them in the comments—thank you for your continued support and love for What to Watch.

    [Film] Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

    Non-professionals are advised to watch this film accompanied by chocolate.

    @潘誉晗: The mysterious gates of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory have been shut for fifteen years. All this time, no one has ever been seen entering or leaving, yet rich and tempting chocolate aromas continue to waft out from within. One day, Wonka announces that he has hidden five golden tickets inside five chocolate bars—whoever finds one will earn the chance to tour the chocolate factory.

    I think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an almost perfect choice for a Christmas family movie. For children, it’s a fairy-tale chocolate kingdom filled with wonder—like winning a golden ticket from the film itself, bringing pure joy. For adults, it offers a chance to see the world through children’s eyes and reflect on how grown-ups should provide the right guidance as kids grow up.

    The five children represent archetypes in a very deliberate way: the gluttonous grinder, the rich pay-to-win tycoon, the elite player, the tech geek, and the lucky chosen one. Their different backgrounds and the ways they obtain their golden tickets predetermine the choices they’ll make—and the consequences they’ll face—on this adventure. The film makes its message crystal clear: excessive greed, arrogance, and vanity are among the worst traits in the world, and they ultimately harm oneself. What’s truly precious is having the kind of pure kindness and childlike heart that Charlie embodies.

    When the visionary Tim Burton brings Roald Dahl’s story to the screen, he also reminds us that family is a child’s most important school. As long as a family is together, even living in a drafty little house and eating cabbage with cabbage soup every day can still be a source of immense happiness.

    [Film] The Shop Around the Corner

    • Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Romance
    • Also known as: The Shop Around the Corner
    • Runtime: 99 minutes
    • Where to watch: Youku Video; Douban link

    A “long-distance romance” story set on Christmas Eve, 1940.

    @利兹与青鸟: When it comes to Christmas movies, the classic It’s a Wonderful Life often tops various “best Christmas films” lists. But another lesser-known gem starring James Stewart, The Shop Around the Corner, is just as perfect for the holiday season. Directed by the renowned Ernst Lubitsch, a master of romantic comedies, the film carries his signature lighthearted and playful style, filled with witty dialogue and richly drawn ensemble characters, transporting viewers back to a small corner shop during Christmas in the last century.

    How did young people fall in love in 1940? Storylines we’re familiar with today—online romance and office love affairs—were already cleverly and elegantly constructed in The Shop Around the Corner decades ago. The film tells the story of a man and a woman who, by a twist of fate, become pen pals. In real life, they are bickering rivals, coworkers in the same shop who can’t stand each other; yet through anonymous letters, they unknowingly become soulmates who deeply admire one another. This dual relationship between the two leads is the film’s greatest highlight, generating plenty of humor as their circumstances shift, while taking the audience’s emotions on a gentle roller coaster.

    Beyond the central romance, the everyday ensemble scenes inside the shop are equally delightful: a stubborn boss who holds all the power, sly and mischievous employees sneaking moments of slacking off—elements that feel wonderfully true to life while remaining highly entertaining. When the plot veers toward an unexpectedly chaotic point and viewers begin to worry about how it can possibly be resolved, Lubitsch once again diffuses the tension with a light and witty touch, reminding us that this is the highest form of a truly heartwarming, family-friendly comedy.

    [Film] Everyone Says I Love You

    • Keywords: Comedy / Romance / Musical
    • Also known as: Everyone Says I Love You
    • Runtime: 101 minutes
    • Where to watch: Tencent Video; Douban link

    A warm and romantic all-star musical.

    @甜约翰: Set in New York, the film tells the story of a family with very different personalities, each bravely pursuing true love. Free-spirited Juna lives in a large, happy family—her mother Steffi and stepfather Bob have maintained a close friendship with Juna’s biological father, Joe Berlin, for many years. Her sister Skylar is about to walk down the aisle with her fiancé Holden, only to fall for a convicted criminal. Joe Berlin, who has remained single for years, meets a married woman while on vacation and ends up chasing her from Venice to Paris. Meanwhile, the family also includes an eccentric brother Scott, the innocent sisters Lane and Laura, and an adorable grandfather. With Christmas just around the corner, will they be able to find true love?

    This 1996 all-star musical was written, directed, and starred in by the “little old man” himself, Woody Allen. The film continues his signature style: a tightly structured script, concise storytelling, just-right choreography and musical design, and of course, Allen’s characteristically rambling musings. It carries a strong sense of classic Broadway tradition, yet moments like a dancing soul at a funeral and a duet by the Seine add a touch of lightness and warmth. Through his lens, every member of this middle-class family feels especially endearing, while New York, Paris, and Venice appear irresistibly romantic—almost as if this is what love itself looks like.

    Everyone says they love you—but what exactly is love? Is it that once-in-a-lifetime spark, or the quiet companionship that grows over time? Perhaps no one truly knows. With Christmas just around the corner, why not look for an answer in this film?

    [Film] A Christmas Carol

    • Keywords: Drama / Animation / Family / Fantasy
    • Also known as: A Christmas Carol
    • Runtime: 98 minutes
    • Where to watch: Tencent Video; Douban link

    A darker fairy tale better suited for adults.

    @甜约翰: The protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, is a thoroughgoing miser—selfish by nature and notoriously stingy. He treats his employees and nephew harshly, and even beggars on the street dare not ask him for alms. After his business partner dies, he becomes even more unrestrained. As Christmas approaches, Ebenezer, alone at home, encounters three spirits in succession—the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. These extraordinary experiences awaken another side of his humanity, and he finally repents, deciding to change his ways.

    This film is adapted from Charles Dickens’s novella of the same name, written in 1843. The original work is one of Dickens’s “Christmas Books” (alongside The Chimes and The Cricket on the Hearth), and the phrase “Merry Christmas” itself gained widespread popularity because of this story. Directed by Robert Zemeckis of Forrest Gump fame, the film combines a solid script, a dark visual style, unsettling elements, and the use of performance capture technology, resulting in a richly textured and distinctive cinematic experience.

    Of course, the film also carries a deeply educational theme: if you could see your own past, present, and future, what kind of life would you choose? It’s also worth noting that Jim Carrey, who plays the lead role, along with familiar faces such as Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, all deliver strong performances, adding plenty of highlights to the film.

    If you’re in the mood for something other than the warmth-and-fuzzies of Love Actually, this darker fairy tale for adults may be just the right choice for Christmas night.

    [Film] Klaus: The Secret of Christmas

    • Keywords: Comedy / Adventure / Coming-of-Age
    • Also known as: Klaus
    • Runtime: 96 minutes
    • Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

    The most selfless acts are often the most moving.

    @SHY: Even the youngest children know the story—when the year draws to a close, a white-bearded old man in red sets off from the far north, riding a reindeer-drawn flying sleigh to visit homes around the world, quietly leaving gifts to be discovered upon waking. But where did this well-known legend come from? Here, I’m not talking about Saint Nicholas as you may have heard of him, but a story that might have truly happened in 19th-century Norway.

    When we think of Christmas, we naturally picture family reunions and festive decorations. This story, however, begins in a bleak, icy town that feels as though it has stepped straight out of a Lovecraftian myth. Jasper, a spoiled young man exiled there by his postmaster father, desperately tries to complete his delivery quota, only to find the townsfolk locked in deep-seated hostility, vowing never to interact with one another. At his lowest point, he reaches an understanding with the woodsman Klaus—and through acts of kindness born from selfish motives, they gradually weave the fabric of a new tomorrow.

    From letter-writing wishes and naughty lists to reindeer sleighs, chimney stockings, and even the iconic “Ho-ho-ho,” the film cleverly connects all the familiar elements of Christmas into a whimsical and imaginative symphony. With carefully planted foreshadowing and steadily advancing narrative threads, it traces the growth of Jasper and the townspeople alike. The striking contrast before and after their transformation naturally elevates Klaus into the figure we now recognize as Santa Claus.

    Built upon exquisite art direction, the creators use hand-drawn 2D animation to simulate three-dimensional lighting and textures, giving the film its distinctive “2D-rendered-as-3D” visual style—truly a feast for the eyes. Guided by pure love and goodwill, long-standing feuds are resolved, a harsh and frozen land is turned into a haven of laughter and joy, and warmth is carried out into the world. This beautiful legend is one I’m happy to believe in—and one of the finest interpretations of the origins of Santa Claus.

    [Film] The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales…

    • Keywords: Comedy / Adventure / Healing
    • Also known as: The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales…
    • Runtime: 83 minutes, with a post-credits scene
    • Where to watch: Youku; Douban link

    Since it’s come to this, I’ll just be Santa Claus myself!

    @SHY: The curtain slowly rises, and the show begins. The stage is a seemingly ordinary little farm. An overly responsible pig teams up with a not-so-bright duck and rabbit to escort a baby dropped off by a stork back home, setting off on a long journey. The scene then shifts to the Big Bad Fox plotting with Mr. Wolf to steal chickens—only to be mistaken for a mother by newly hatched chicks, forcing him to take on the responsibility of childcare. And as the year draws to a close, the duck and rabbit accidentally “kill” Santa Claus. Determined to step up and save Christmas, they join forces with the pig for a series of absurd and hilarious adventures.

    Benjamin Renner, director of Ernest & Celestine, brings his own illustrated book to the screen. Using the premise of animals putting on a stage play, he weaves together three standalone stories, occasionally breaking the fourth wall. Although only the final segment is directly related to Christmas, every childlike adventure is infused with a strong festive spirit. The corners of the frame are filled with delightful details—watching a snail on a tree branch repeatedly miss falling leaves, or the frog janitor stealing the spotlight during the end credits—there’s always a moment that will have you laughing out loud.

    Embracing the watercolor style that French animation does best, the film uses simple lines to sketch a cast of vividly distinct characters, gently telling a warm bedtime story with a brisk pace and a fresh, lighthearted mood. No matter how chaotic the journey may be, the adventure always ends with a heartwarming payoff. Just as the closing line says, everyone finds their own happiness—and that’s what matters most. With its uniquely French humor and delightfully silly charm, this whimsical, all-ages family fairy tale is the perfect festive treat to enjoy with friends and family.

    [Film] The Holdovers

    • Keywords: Drama / Comedy
    • Also known as: The Holdovers
    • Runtime: 133 minutes
    • Where to watch: Bilibili / iQIYI; Douban link

    A sincere and quietly moving slice-of-life film.

    @甜约翰: Set in the 1970s, the film follows Paul, a teacher at Barton Academy. Aloof, somewhat arrogant, and accustomed to keeping to himself, he isn’t particularly popular on campus. Having never married and lacking close family or friends, Paul is left with no choice but to stay at the school over the Christmas holidays. Remaining with him are Angus, a troublemaking student who is constantly causing problems, and Mary, the school’s head cook. And so, three very different people form an unlikely “alliance of the stranded,” spending an unforgettable Christmas break together…

    Directed by Alexander Payne (Nebraska, Paris, je t’aime), the combination of an eccentric teacher, a problem student, and a strong-willed cook may not sound novel, but the film stands out thanks to its solid script and high level of overall execution. The character work is especially compelling: a lonely, middle-aged single teacher; a rebellious student acting out in the wake of his parents’ divorce; and an African American mother who lost her son in the war. Three people who are, in different ways, “without a home,” move from mutual unfamiliarity to understanding, eventually opening up to one another and forming a temporary family for the holidays.

    Familiar without feeling formulaic, the film offers an alternative expression of “family without blood ties.” Paired with its rich sense of nostalgia, it feels heartfelt and deeply affecting—a genuinely sincere work that also happens to be perfectly suited for Christmas viewing.

    [Film] Carol

    • Keywords: Drama / Romance / LGBTQ+
    • Also known as: Carol
    • Runtime: 118 minutes; Douban link

    With Christmas approaching, it’s time to revisit Carol.

    @利兹与青鸟: Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt, the story unfolds in the cold of winter. Cate Blanchett plays Carol, a mother on the brink of divorce, while Rooney Mara portrays Therese, a sales clerk with a passion for photography. The two meet in a department store shortly before Christmas, exchange one lingering glance in the sea of people, and fall in love at first sight—only to suffer for a relationship that was deemed taboo by the society of that era.

    The film follows a familiar romantic narrative on the surface, yet director Todd Haynes creates a distinctive aesthetic space, amplifying sensory experiences of sound, sight, and touch to make this love story restrained, subtle, and unmistakably different. Shot on film, Carol has a soft, timeworn, grainy visual texture. Doors, windows, mirrors, and halos of light are frequently used as foreground obstructions, forming a barrier of time and space between the two women bound by love, while also positioning the audience outside the frame, observing that era from a distance. The score is flowing and densely woven, perfectly complementing the visuals and drawing viewers deeper into the delicate emotional shifts of the protagonists.

    Of course, for a love story, what matters most may be the intangible chemistry between the leads. The performances are nuanced and exceptional; in the face of such powerful on-screen chemistry, dramatic conflicts and plot mechanics feel almost secondary. Through subtle glances, restrained emotions, and expressive body language—through countless meaningful looks exchanged—this pure and genuine love is more than enough to move the audience.

    [J-Drama] A 29-Year-Old’s Christmas

    • Keywords: Drama / Romance
    • Also known as: 29歳のクリスマス
    • Runtime: Around 46 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban link

    I like who I am right now.

    @潘誉晗: “On my 29th birthday, I started going bald, couldn’t go to Paris Fashion Week, was transferred from the fashion department to a company-run restaurant, got dumped by a jerk, was soaked to the bone in the rain, and panicked over the possibility that I might be pregnant with that jerk’s child—thankfully I wasn’t, and could finally breathe a sigh of relief…” For Noriko, a day that should have been a happy birthday celebration turned out to be truly miserable. Work, romance, family, friendship—those seemingly ordinary problems of everyday life all came crashing down on her at once during her 29th year.

    Society often feels deeply unfair to women. Men can still be seen as charming well into their forties, while women, once they reach a certain age, are told that if they don’t “solve” the issue of marriage, all that remains is to be chosen. That’s why I love this drama, and admire Noriko so much. Even in Japan in 1994, she proves—amid a strongly patriarchal atmosphere—that a woman can still be outstanding in her own right. When she questions her mother’s constant pressure to get married, her retort feels like it speaks for countless women: “In this male-dominated society, even when the pressure is so intense that I start losing my hair, no matter how hard my work is, I tell myself to keep going and keep trying. Please don’t dismiss my efforts as unfilial.” Exactly—if you’re capable of supporting yourself, why place your happiness in the hands of another person who may not even be reliable?

    As Noriko’s 29th Christmas approaches, she’s on the brink of turning 30. Yet at this moment, she is no longer anxious, nor filled with regret, because she has received the best Christmas gift of all: facing herself honestly. I think many women need a Christmas gift like this, too.

    More

    [Film] That Christmas @SHY: After a chaotic Christmas pageant, the children head home carrying their own worries. As a snowstorm gradually engulfs this small town in England, Santa Claus is about to face the biggest crisis of his career. Adapted from the children’s book of the same name by Love Actually director Richard Curtis, and featuring voice performances by Bill Nighy and others, this charming animated film uses Christmas to weave together a cast of characters and intertwined events, ultimately crafting a joyful, feel-good ending. Brimming with laughter and heartfelt moments, it’s a warm companion for year-end viewing.

    🙋: What films do you feel like watching this Christmas? Feel free to share with us in the comments! Click here to see more themed watchlists 📽

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Samsung Unveils 2026 Odyssey Series Monitors, and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Samsung Unveils 2026 Odyssey Series Monitors, and More

    Morning Brief

    1. Samsung unveils 2026 Odyssey series monitors
    2. Spotify bans accounts linked to Anna’s Archive
    3. FCC bans all foreign drones from entering the U.S. market
    4. Paramount steps up its bid for Warner Bros.
    5. DingTalk releases AI DingTalk 1.1 “Mulan”
    6. 007: First Light release delayed
    7. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    Samsung Unveils 2026 Odyssey Series Monitors

    On December 24, Samsung announced the launch of five 2026 Odyssey series gaming monitors, including the Odyssey G6, Odyssey 3D, and Odyssey G8.

    Among them, the 32-inch, 6K-resolution Odyssey 3D (model G90XH) supports glasses-free 3D and features real-time eye tracking, adjusting visual depth and angles based on the viewer’s eye position. It offers dual refresh-rate modes of 165Hz and 330Hz, with a 1ms GtG response time. The first batch of games optimized for its glasses-free 3D experience includes The First Berserker: Khazan, Stellar Blade, and Lies of P: Overture.

    Odyssey 3D

    The 27-inch Odyssey G6 (model G60H) supports dual refresh-rate modes, offering QHD resolution at 600Hz and HD resolution at 1040Hz. The 32-inch Odyssey G8 (model G80HS) operates in dual modes of 6K resolution at 165Hz and 3K resolution at 330Hz. The 27-inch Odyssey G8 (model G80H) supports dual modes of 5K resolution at 180Hz and QHD resolution at 360Hz.

    The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 (model G80SH) features a 4K-resolution QD-OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness. It carries VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certification and, via the DP 2.1 (UHBR20) standard, supports video transmission bandwidths of up to 80Gbps. All models are compatible with both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync, and will be showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas in January 2026. Source

    Spotify bans accounts linked to Anna’s Archive

    On December 22, Spotify confirmed that it has disabled user accounts associated with the piracy organization Anna’s Archive. The group claimed over the weekend that it had scraped approximately 86 million audio files and metadata for 256 million tracks from Spotify, stating that the data represents more than 99.6% of Spotify’s listening activity and describing the action as the creation of an “open music archive.” Source

    FCC bans all foreign drones from entering the U.S. market

    On Monday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added all foreign-manufactured drones and key components to its “Covered List” of untrusted suppliers, deeming these unmanned aircraft systems to pose an “unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.” The move effectively blocks drone products from non-U.S. manufacturers—including DJI—from entering the U.S. market.

    The measure took effect immediately on December 22, 2025, one day ahead of the deadline previously set by Congress for a national security determination on Chinese-made drones. After the ban came into force, new drone models and related components on the list can no longer obtain the FCC equipment authorization required for import and sale. Drone models that were already imported, authorized, and sold are not affected and may continue to be used. In a statement, DJI said that “the administration has not disclosed the information on which it based its decision.” Source

    On December 23, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said the country firmly opposes the move, arguing that the U.S. is overstretching the concept of national security and using state power to suppress foreign companies, including Chinese enterprises—calling it a典型 example of market distortion and unilateral bullying. The spokesperson urged the U.S. to stop its erroneous practices and immediately withdraw the measures. Source

    Paramount steps up its bid for Warner Bros.

    After Warner Bros. Discovery announced a deal with Netflix and rejected a hostile takeover bid from Paramount, Paramount has shifted to making a direct offer to shareholders in an effort to further optimize its proposal and push the transaction forward.

    Paramount, led by David Ellison, said that his father—Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison—will provide an irrevocable personal guarantee valued at $40.4 billion. Paramount stated that its revised proposal offers Warner Bros. Discovery greater flexibility in debt refinancing arrangements, representations, and interim operating covenants. To demonstrate the Ellison family’s ability to fund the $40.4 billion portion of the all-cash $108 billion acquisition offer, the new proposal also disclosed records showing that the Ellison family trust holds 1.16 billion shares of Oracle stock.

    Paramount also announced that if the deal is blocked during regulatory review, the breakup fee it would pay to Warner Bros. Discovery would be increased from the previous $5 billion to $5.8 billion, matching the level offered by Netflix. Source

    DingTalk releases AI DingTalk 1.1 “Mulan”

    On December 23, DingTalk held the AI DingTalk 1.1 product launch and ecosystem conference in Hangzhou, announcing its upgrade from a traditional mobile internet application to an AI-native operating system (Agent OS). At the event, DingTalk unveiled multiple new products, including DingTalk Real, a new terminal designed for enterprise agents that offers real-time data access, permission-controlled execution, and process monitoring—providing a trusted runtime environment for enterprise-grade agents. It also introduced Enterprise Agent OS and the agent orchestration platform “Wukong,” which can coordinate multimodal models, enterprise systems, and various agents to enable cross-business automated collaboration.

    In addition, DingTalk rolled out a range of industry-specific intelligent agents such as AI Printing, AI Recruitment, and AI Travel, and showcased real-world applications including order recognition and quality inspection in manufacturing. AI Sheets, AI Meeting Notes, and the collaborative translation tool DingTalk A1 also received multimodal upgrades. DingTalk further announced plans to launch a dual-version strategy—separate China and overseas editions of DingTalk—to meet global business needs and strengthen compliance capabilities. Source

    007: First Light release delayed

    IO Interactive has announced that its upcoming title 007: First Light has been delayed to May 27, 2026. The game was originally scheduled for release in March 2026. IO Interactive said that while the game is already highly playable, the team wants to use the additional two months for final polishing and optimization, and promised to share more information in early 2026.

    007: First Light is the first game based on the James Bond IP in nearly a decade. Developed by the studio behind the Hitman series, it focuses on the origin story of James Bond before he earns the 007 designation and becomes a legendary agent. Source

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice released nearly 30,000 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including an email from a prosecutor that reveals former U.S. President Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet eight times in the 1990s—contradicting Trump’s claim on social media in 2024 that he had “never flown on Epstein’s plane.”

    According to three sources familiar with the matter, NVIDIA has informed Chinese customers that it plans to begin shipping its H200 AI chips in mid-February 2026, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Separately, MLex reports that Alibaba is also considering purchasing between 40,000 and 50,000 MI308 AI chips from AMD. The MI308 is designed specifically for the Chinese market, aiming to comply with U.S. export regulations while still supporting large-scale AI training and inference workloads.

    Marvel Studios officially released the first trailer for Avengers: Doomsday on December 23, confirming that Chris Evans will return as Steve Rogers. Back in January, Evans had said in an interview that he had happily bid farewell to Marvel Studios and dismissed rumors of a return.

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Huawei Hosts nova 15 Series & All-Scenario New Product Launch, and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Huawei Hosts nova 15 Series & All-Scenario New Product Launch, and More

    Morning Brief

    1. Huawei hosts nova 15 series and all-scenario new product launch
    2. NVIDIA begins sales of the RTX PRO 5000 72GB Blackwell graphics card
    3. TCL launches the Note A1 tablet
    4. EA mobile game Real Racing 3 to shut down on March 19, 2026
    5. NetEase Games’ Top Chase official servers announce shutdown
    6. Porsche China confirms it will shut down all self-built charging stations
    7. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    Huawei hosts nova 15 series and all-scenario new product launch

    On December 22, Huawei held the nova 15 Series and All-Scenario New Product Launch, unveiling a range of new products including the nova 15 series, HUAWEI MatePad 11.5, the HUAWEI WATCH 10th Anniversary Edition, and HUAWEI HarmonyOS Smart Home.

    HUAWEI nova 15 Ultra features a 6.84-inch display and is powered by the Kirin 9010S processor. The device is 6.8 mm thick and packs a 6,500 mAh battery, supporting 100 W Huawei wired SuperCharge and 50 W Huawei wireless SuperCharge. It supports Tiantong satellite communication and BeiDou satellite image messaging, and is rated IP68 & IP69 for dust and water resistance. On the rear, it is equipped with a variable-aperture OIS main camera, a large-aperture periscope telephoto camera, and an ultra-wide macro camera—all using 50 MP RYYB sensors. The front camera is a 50 MP F2.0 ultra-light-gathering portrait camera. In addition, both the front and rear feature a 1.5 MP multispectral Red Maple original-color sensor, marking the first time a Red Maple sensor has been introduced on the front camera. The back cover uses a brocade fiber finish and comes in Vibrant Green, Versatile Purple, Zero White, and Phantom Night Black. Pricing starts at RMB 4,199.

    HUAWEI nova 15 Pro also comes with a 6.84-inch display and the Kirin 9010S processor, paired with a 6,500 mAh battery and 100 W Huawei wired SuperCharge. It supports BeiDou satellite image messaging and carries an IP65 dust- and water-resistance rating. Both the front and rear cameras include Red Maple sensors. The rear camera setup consists of a 50 MP RYYB OIS main camera, a 12 MP RYYB OIS telephoto camera, and a 13 MP RYYB ultra-wide macro camera, while the front camera is a 50 MP F2.0 portrait camera. Color options match the Ultra model, with a starting price of RMB 3,499.

    HUAWEI nova 15 is equipped with a 6.7-inch display and the Kirin 8020 processor, along with a 6,000 mAh battery. It supports 100 W wired SuperCharge, BeiDou satellite image messaging, and IP65 dust and water resistance. The rear camera system includes a 50 MP F1.9 main camera, a 12 MP RYYB OIS telephoto camera, and a Red Maple sensor, while the front camera is a 50 MP F2.4 portrait camera. Color options are the same as the nova 15 Pro, with prices starting at RMB 2,699. The nova 15 series officially goes on sale on December 25.

    HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2026) features an 11.5-inch display. The standard version is powered by the Kirin T82B processor, while the PaperMatte Edition uses the Kirin T82 processor. It houses a 10,100 mAh battery. The PaperMatte Edition’s eye-care Cloud Clear Soft Light Display introduces a new nano magnetron optical coating technology, reducing screen reflectivity by 60% and eliminating 99% of ambient light interference, while also incorporating circularly polarized light technology. Available colors include Feather Sand Purple, Island Blue, Frost Silver, and Deep Space Gray. Pricing starts at RMB 1,799, with sales beginning on December 25.

    The HUAWEI WATCH 10th Anniversary Edition is largely consistent with the HUAWEI WATCH 5. It features an exclusive colorway blending Celestial Blue and Polar White, and is available in 42 mm and 46 mm sizes. The watch is crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy and 904L steel, with “10 YEARS” engraved on the crown and strap. The HUAWEI WATCH 10th Anniversary Edition goes on sale on December 25, starting at RMB 2,799. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 adds a new 41 mm Ice Snow Blue color option, launching on January 1, 2026, priced at RMB 1,488.

    On the HUAWEI HarmonyOS Smart Home front, the Xiaoyi Assistant has been upgraded, and the new HUAWEI HarmonyOS Smart Home Hub X2 Pro has been introduced. New product lines include the Smart MINI Pro Sun–Moon–Star Diamond series, the Smart Switch Mondrian Moonlight series, the Oslo Mother-of-Pearl series, and the Mondrian Kintsugi series. Huawei also launched three tiers of pre-installed solutions—Standard, Professional, and Premium—along with three tiers of 24-hour rapid smart retrofitting solutions, as well as an entry-level smart installation package. Source

    NVIDIA begins sales of the RTX PRO 5000 72GB Blackwell graphics card

    On December 19, NVIDIA announced the official launch of the RTX PRO 5000 72GB Blackwell graphics card. Compared with the initially released RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell featuring 48GB of VRAM, the new model increases memory capacity by 50%. NVIDIA said the 72GB version supports local training, fine-tuning, and prototyping of models with larger parameter sizes, giving AI developers greater flexibility to scale their systems according to budget and project requirements. Aside from memory capacity, the RTX PRO 5000 72GB Blackwell remains unchanged from the original version: it is still based on the GB202 GPU, with 14,080 CUDA cores (110 SMs), 2,064 TOPS of AI performance, a 300W power draw, and 1,344 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The only difference lies in the memory configuration—the original RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell uses 24 × 16Gb GDDR7 chips, while the new version upgrades to 24 × 24Gb GDDR7 chips. Source

    TCL launches the Note A1 tablet

    TCL has launched the Note A1 tablet in overseas markets. It features an 11.5-inch TCL signature NxtPaper paper-like display with color support. The Note A1 weighs 500 g, measures 5.5 mm thick, and comes equipped with an eight-microphone array. The display includes anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint treatments, offering a paper-like reading and writing experience. The tablet is positioned for productivity use, with its note-taking system providing AI-assisted templates, voice transcription, real-time translation, and AI-powered summaries. The Note A1 is set to launch on Kickstarter soon with a crowdfunding price of $419. Source

    EA mobile game Real Racing 3 to shut down on March 19, 2026

    On December 19, EA announced that its mobile game Real Racing 3 will be shut down on March 19, 2026. The game has been officially removed from major app stores as of today, but players who have already downloaded it will still be able to continue playing until March 19, 2026. In-game purchases have been disabled, meaning players can no longer use real money to buy in-game currency or item packs; however, any unspent in-game currency already owned by players can still be used. Before the shutdown, the developers will release one final update, granting all players an Audi S1 e-tron quattro, a 2023 Rimac Nevera, and 1,000 gold as a “thank-you gift for player support.” Players who already own both vehicles will instead receive additional gold. Source

    NetEase Games’ Top Chase official servers announce shutdown

    On December 17, Top Chase released an announcement regarding the shutdown of its NetEase (official) version. Due to adjustments in development and operation strategy, the game will cease operations at 10:00 on February 26, 2026. Starting from 10:00 on December 17, 2025, download access across all platforms will be closed, meaning players will no longer be able to download the game, and in-game purchases as well as new user registrations will be disabled. At 10:00 on February 26, 2026, the game’s servers will be shut down entirely, and the official NetEase website for the game will also be taken offline and become inaccessible. From the date of the shutdown announcement until 10:00 on February 26, 2026, any unused “Top Coins” remaining in existing players’ accounts can continue to be used. Source

    Porsche China confirms it will shut down all self-built charging stations

    According to a December 22 report by Yicai, Porsche China has confirmed that its self-built charging network will gradually cease operations starting March 1, 2026, involving a total of around 200 charging stations. Porsche China stated that from March 1, 2026, it will orderly dismantle its Porsche Privileged Charging service facilities, after which it will shift toward deeper cooperation with leading charging network operators in the industry. This adjustment applies only to Porsche’s privileged charging scenarios; other charging options will continue to operate normally. These include charging stations installed at Porsche Centers (dealerships), Porsche Destination Charging stations, and third-party brand chargers integrated into the Porsche Charging Map, all of which will remain available. Source

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    NetEase’s Eggy Party announced on December 22 that, due to adjustments in its cooperative operations strategy with Xiaomi, the Xiaomi-channel version of the mobile game will cease operations on the Xiaomi platform at 15:00 on February 23, 2026. A character asset recovery service has been launched simultaneously. From 10:00 on December 22, 2025, downloads on the Xiaomi platform will be closed, and players will no longer be able to download the game; in-game purchases and new user registrations will also be suspended. At 15:00 on February 23, 2026, operations on the Xiaomi platform will officially end, and players will no longer be able to log in via Xiaomi channels. Source

    According to internal notices originating from GameStop employees, Nintendo will no longer restock the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle. The bundle’s stock-keeping unit (SKU) has reached the end of its lifecycle and will not be produced again. The bundle is still currently available for purchase, and staff are advised to actively recommend it to customers. Compared with buying the console and the game separately, the bundle saves consumers an additional $29.99 and offers excellent value. Future restocks of Nintendo Switch 2 products will consist only of the base console. Source

    On the evening of December 22, sexually explicit content appeared in multiple livestreams on the Kuaishou platform. Kuaishou responded that around 22:00 that night, the platform was attacked by gray- and black-market actors. Repairs are underway, and the incident has been reported to relevant authorities and the police. Kuaishou subsequently shut down its livestream section and has since fully restored normal operations. Source

    Bloomberg reports that Baidu will partner with Uber and Lyft to conduct autonomous ride-hailing tests in the United Kingdom. Source

    According to Reuters, sources familiar with the matter revealed that NVIDIA expects to ship H200 chips to China in mid-February, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, though the actual situation may change depending on government decisions and other factors. Source

    The HTC Weather app ceased operations on December 18. The existing app and widgets will no longer receive updates, and users will need to switch to alternative products. Source

    After pledging in October not to use generative AI in finished games, Battlefield 6 was found by players to be highly suspected of using generative AI to create decorative items in paid content packs, with clear errors visible in the depicted weapon designs. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: “Rules on Pricing Behavior of Internet Platforms” Released

    SSPAI Morning Brief: “Rules on Pricing Behavior of Internet Platforms” Released

    Morning Brief

    1. “Rules on Pricing Behavior of Internet Platforms” Released
    2. TikTok signs agreements with investors to establish a new U.S. joint venture
    3. Airbus plans to migrate core business to Europe-based cloud services to avoid U.S. jurisdiction risks
    4. Tesla wins final ruling; Musk’s record-breaking 2018 compensation package reinstated
    5. Anna’s Archive announces completion of a large-scale backup of Spotify’s music catalog
    6. Sam Altman explains the “red alert,” infrastructure plans, and hardware strategy in an interview
    7. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    “Rules on Pricing Behavior of Internet Platforms” Released

    On December 20, the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly issued and released the Rules on Pricing Behavior of Internet Platforms. The Rules were previously open for public consultation from August 23 to September 22, 2025.

    The main points of the Rules include—

    • Protecting operators’ autonomy in pricing. Platforms must not use technical means or their dominant position to impose unreasonable restrictions on operators within the platform, such as forcing “choose one of two,” mandating promotions, or restricting pricing on other channels. Platform fee standards must be open and transparent, and any adjustments to fees must solicit opinions in advance;
    • Regulating price labeling practices. Operators must clearly disclose product prices, service content, and additional fees (such as shipping). Where dynamic pricing or promotional activities are involved, pricing rules and promotion conditions must be prominently disclosed. Products ranked through bidding must be clearly labeled as advertisements;
    • Restraining price competition behaviors. Practices such as selling below cost, using algorithms to implement discriminatory pricing (“big data price discrimination”), price gouging, and price fraud are prohibited;
    • Protecting consumers’ price-related rights. Automatic renewals must provide a convenient cancellation option and issue prominent reminders before charges are made; bundled products must not be pre-selected by default.

    Compared with the earlier draft for public comment, the final version expands the scope of protection for pricing autonomy by extending the prohibition on price comparison bans from other platforms to all sales channels, and further banning intervention measures such as search result demotion and algorithmic downgrading. The criteria for identifying price gouging have been relaxed: in non-emergency situations, price increases that do not match cost increases will no longer be automatically deemed price gouging. Requirements for informing users about automatic renewals are made stricter—beyond specifying the deduction time, amount, and any price changes, platforms must also clearly and prominently notify users of the cancellation method. For price labeling, the Rules further require prominent disclosure on service pages.

    The Rules will take effect on April 10, 2026, with the aim of allowing operators sufficient time to make necessary compliance adjustments.

    TikTok signs agreements with investors to establish a new U.S. joint venture

    According to Caixin, on the afternoon of December 18 (U.S. time), TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew announced in an internal memo that ByteDance and TikTok have signed agreements with three investors to establish a new TikTok U.S. joint venture. The new entity will be named TikTok US Data Security Joint Venture LLC (TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC) and will be responsible for data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance in the United States. Matters related to the agreement are expected to be completed no later than January 22, 2026. Reaching this deal also means that TikTok will avoid being banned in the U.S.

    Under the agreement, ByteDance and TikTok will continue to own the intellectual property rights to the core algorithms and will license them to TikTok USDS for use within the United States. Other TikTok entities in the U.S. (wholly owned by ByteDance) will continue to handle commercial activities such as e-commerce, advertising, and marketing operations, as well as maintaining global interoperability of TikTok products.

    TikTok USDS will be 19.9% owned by ByteDance, making it the largest single shareholder in the new joint venture. ByteDance’s current U.S. and global shareholders will collectively hold 30.1%, while the new investors will hold 50%. Among them, Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund MGX will each hold a 15% stake. The company will have a seven-member board of directors: ByteDance will occupy one seat, ByteDance’s existing U.S. and global shareholders will hold two seats, the new investors will hold three seats, and the remaining seat will be filled by an independent director appointed by the board.

    Previously, on September 25, Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office approving the transaction that allows TikTok to continue operating in the United States. The executive order also granted TikTok a 120-day exemption period during which it would not face penalties. At the same time, Trump retained the authority to issue further orders on the matter if necessary to safeguard national security.

    Airbus plans to migrate core business to Europe-based cloud services to avoid U.S. jurisdiction risks

    According to The Register, Airbus is preparing to launch a major tender to migrate its core mission-critical operations to Europe-based cloud platforms with “digital sovereignty,” in a bid to reduce its reliance on U.S. cloud service providers. The contract is expected to be worth more than €50 million and span a period of up to 10 years. The migration will cover systems such as ERP, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and lifecycle management systems involving sensitive aircraft design secrets. The tender is scheduled to open in January next year, with a final supplier expected to be selected before the summer.

    Catherine Jestin, Executive Vice President of Digital at Airbus, emphasized that the move is intended to ensure that extremely sensitive information related to national and European security remains fully under European control. Beyond market factors—such as software vendors like SAP shifting their technological focus to the cloud—geopolitical risks are the primary driver. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House unsettling transatlantic trade relations, and the U.S. CLOUD Act allowing American law enforcement to access overseas data held by U.S. companies, concerns over data sovereignty among European enterprises have been intensifying.

    Although U.S. giants such as Microsoft and AWS offer compliance solutions, Microsoft has previously acknowledged in a French court that it cannot fully guarantee exemption from U.S. law. Additionally, reports that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Chief Prosecutor once had services cut off by Microsoft due to U.S. sanctions have further heightened Airbus’s concerns about business continuity. At present, Airbus is awaiting clarification from European regulators on whether it can truly obtain protection from the extraterritorial reach of foreign laws.

    Finding a suitable European provider, however, remains a challenge. Jestin noted that, given the relatively limited scale and technological maturity of European cloud service providers, there is only about an 80% chance of finding a satisfactory solution. These stringent requirements will not only test the technical capacity of Europe’s cloud vendors but also push them to accelerate industry collaboration in order to meet Airbus’s timeline.

    Tesla wins final ruling; Musk’s record-breaking 2018 compensation package reinstated

    On December 19, the Delaware Supreme Court issued a ruling overturning a lower court decision that had previously voided Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s 2018 compensation plan. The record-setting equity incentive plan was valued at approximately $56 billion at the time of vesting. The Supreme Court held that the Delaware Court of Chancery’s remedy—outright cancellation of the plan—was “overly extreme” and failed to give Tesla an opportunity to propose a reasonable alternative form of compensation. The court therefore reinstated the plan and awarded only $1 in nominal damages.

    Back in 2018, Tesla’s board approved a ten-year equity incentive plan under which Musk, upon achieving a series of market-capitalization and operational milestones, would be entitled to purchase roughly 304 million Tesla shares at a deeply discounted price of $23.33 per share. During the plan’s term, Musk would receive no other compensation. A minority shareholder later filed suit, alleging that Musk and Tesla’s board breached their fiduciary duties. In January 2024, the lower court ruled that the compensation-setting process suffered from “serious defects,” finding that the board lacked independence, was controlled by Musk, and failed to adequately disclose key information to shareholders—ordering the plan’s rescission.

    Although the compensation plan has now been reinstated, experts note that the Supreme Court’s ruling primarily addressed the proportionality of the punishment—namely, rescinding the plan—rather than overturning the lower court’s factual findings that Musk was a controlling shareholder and that the compensation process was unfair. As such, the court preserved the negative assessment of Tesla’s corporate governance and merely corrected the remedial approach.

    Following the earlier loss, Musk moved Tesla’s corporate domicile from Delaware to Texas and pushed shareholders to reapprove the plan in subsequent votes. With the 2018 plan reinstated, Tesla’s contingency compensation plan—prepared to mitigate the risk of an adverse outcome—immediately became void. Notably, Tesla shareholders also approved an even larger 2025 compensation incentive plan this November; if its targets are met over the next decade, the new plan’s total value could reach as high as $1 trillion.

    Anna’s Archive announces completion of a large-scale backup of Spotify’s music catalog

    On December 20, the well-known piracy archive Anna’s Archive announced that it has successfully completed a large-scale backup of streaming giant Spotify’s music library. The site claims the project to be the world’s first “fully open” music preservation archive, aiming to ensure the permanent survival of musical culture through distributed storage. The release totals roughly 300 TB of data, including metadata for 256 million tracks and 86 million audio files, covering approximately 99.6% of Spotify’s total user listening volume. Anna’s Archive did not disclose the source of the files.

    The released metadata database contains 186 million unique ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes). By comparison, the mainstream open database MusicBrainz currently holds only about 5 million unique ISRCs. This means Anna’s Archive has built the largest publicly accessible music metadata index in the world.

    Previously, Anna’s Archive focused primarily on the preservation of books and academic papers. The team stated that this effort was intended to fill gaps in existing archiving practices—namely, the tendency of audiophile-driven archives to prioritize lossless audio quality (resulting in massive file sizes that are difficult to mirror), as well as an overemphasis on popular works at the expense of “long-tail” music. Anna’s Archive emphasized that many niche tracks on Spotify have extremely small audiences and lack dedicated enthusiast maintenance; once streaming platforms remove them or data loss occurs, these “cultural artifacts” risk disappearing permanently.

    According to the release plan, the metadata is already online, while the audio files, album artwork, and differential patches used to reconstruct original files will be released in stages based on popularity. At present, the project is intended primarily for archival purposes and does not yet support online searching or downloading of individual tracks.

    Sam Altman explains the “red alert,” infrastructure plans, and hardware strategy in an interview

    Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared on the Big Technology Podcast, confirming that Google’s recent release of the Gemini 3 model did indeed trigger an internal “Code Red” at OpenAI. This marked the company’s second time entering such an emergency state this year—the first being in response to competitive pressure from the Chinese AI company DeepSeek. Despite the intense competition, Altman revealed that ChatGPT’s weekly active users have surged from 400 million at the beginning of the year to 800 million. He stressed that OpenAI’s approach is not purely defensive, but rather focused on maintaining leadership through rapid iteration. The recently released GPT-5.2 model is widely regarded as the strongest reasoning model to date, excelling in scientific research and enterprise-level tasks.

    On the product ecosystem, Altman said OpenAI is working to move beyond the single chatbot paradigm. He expressed reservations about Google’s strategy of embedding AI into existing search and office suites, arguing that the future lies in “native AI” products. As for the much-discussed hardware plans, Altman disclosed that OpenAI is developing a family of devices centered on proactive perception and environmental understanding, aiming to break free from the interaction limits imposed by traditional screens and keyboards.

    To support its massive computing needs, Altman confirmed infrastructure investment commitments totaling as much as $14 trillion. This enormous sum will be allocated over the long term across chips, data centers, and energy infrastructure. Although OpenAI currently expects annual revenue to reach $20 billion, the company remains unprofitable in the short term due to high training costs. Regarding financial sustainability, Altman said that as inference costs account for a larger share and enterprise business scales up, revenue will eventually cover expenses. On the question of going public, he admitted that while he is not particularly eager to become the CEO of a public company, constraints related to shareholder limits and capital requirements mean that an IPO will be an unavoidable option.

    Altman defined the core of the next generation of AI as “scientific discovery capability,” and previewed the release of a significantly improved model built on this foundation in the first quarter of 2026. As for the definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI), he proposed a new benchmark—“superintelligence”—where AI systems must surpass human capabilities when taking on complex roles such as serving as a company CEO or a national leader.

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    • According to Weibo user @i冰宇宙, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is confirmed to be announced in February, with an expected release in March. This would be later than the launch schedule of recent years.
    • Some users have noticed that the official WeChat account of Computer Fan magazine has recently been deactivated, and its official website is no longer accessible. Computer Fan was first founded in 1993.
    • On December 20, Xiaomi Brand General Manager Lu Weibing said during a livestream that “the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will definitely see a price increase—and I think it will be a fairly significant one. But compared with the rise in memory costs, I still think it’s relatively modest.” When the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was released, the company had previously stated that it would be the “last time at 6,499 yuan.” Lu explained that this assessment did not fully take memory costs into account, and was based only on increases in processor and camera costs. The 17 Ultra, however, also factors in rising memory prices, with increases far exceeding those of processors and cameras. He added that since the end of 2022, AI has experienced explosive growth, and based on overall projections, memory costs are expected to continue rising through 2025, 2026, and 2027.
  • What to Watch This Week | 10 Recent Picks Worth Your Time

    What to Watch This Week | 10 Recent Picks Worth Your Time

    ☕️ TL;DR
    Recent recommendations worth checking out: [Film] Avatar: Fire and Ash, [Film] Knives Out 3, [US Series] Fallout Season 2, [K-Drama] Public Interest Lawyer, [J-Drama] They in the Shadows, [UK Series] Cooper & Frye, [Mainland China] Tang Mystery Tales, [Stand-up Comedy] Gianmarco Soresi: The Joy Thief, [Documentary] 100 Ancient Dishes, [Reality Show] Three Fools Go to Kenya

    Several standout trailers: the official trailer for Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash — The Witch of Circe, the first trailer for Revelation Day, the first trailer for The Diggers, the first trailer for Young Sherlock

    A few film and TV news items: Crayon Shin-chan: Strange Things! My Yokai Holiday set for release in 2026; Extreme Judgment confirmed for mainland China release on January 23; Eternal Station set for mainland China release on December 24; 96 Minutes: Train Bombing Case dated January 10; Robot Dreams scheduled for a mainland China re-release on December 26

    [Film] Avatar: Fire and Ash

    • Keywords: Sci-Fi / Adventure / Action
    • Also known as: Avatar: Fire and Ash
    • Runtime: 198 minutes
    • Where to watch: Now showing in theaters; Douban link

    You are given a new pair of eyes—use them to see this world.

    @SHY: Having settled among the reef clans, Jake, Neytiri, and their children struggle to mend the grief of losing loved ones—yet their enemies have no intention of letting them be. The surviving Colonel Miles forges an alliance with the Ash People, a clan that lives by plunder. To protect their homeland, the Na’vi must stand united and face an even greater battle.

    If there were one work to represent the pinnacle of the visual-effects industry, Avatar would surely rank near the top. Even after visiting Pandora twice before, this film’s overwhelming abundance of visual spectacle is still awe-inspiring. Soaring through the skies with the wind traders, diving into vast and mysterious oceans, returning to lush, vegetation-covered jungles, and journeying from the scorched wastelands of the Ash People to the steel-forged human bases—Eywa, the Great Mother, once again reveals both her miracles and her wrath. Each distinct setting delivers an unparalleled sensory impact.

    Compared with its visual achievements, the screenplay is less striking. Whether it’s family bonds or tribal conflicts, much of it feels familiar, largely retracing the narrative patterns of the previous two films. Fortunately, the film’s execution is rock-solid: the action sequences that run throughout keep the audience fully engaged, and the theme of harmonious coexistence with nature feels especially resonant today. Even if the story has its shortcomings, the visuals remain breathtaking. This epic, made for the big screen, is well worth the price of a movie ticket.

    [Film] Knives Out 3

    • Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Mystery
    • Also known as: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery / Knives Out: The Dead Return
    • Runtime: 144 minutes
    • Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

    An incredibly annoying detective (

    @Liz and the Blue Bird: Young priest Jude is reassigned to a bizarre small town after assaulting someone. The local priest, Father Wicks, is a shameless bully who rules the place like a small-time tyrant—each week during his sermon he singles out one person to verbally attack until they flee the church. The remaining few loyal followers both worship and fear him, giving the whole place a cult-like, ominous atmosphere. Jude is sent there by his superiors to try and save the church. Before any real progress can be made, Wicks dies under mysterious circumstances in a semi–locked-room scenario, and Jude becomes the prime suspect. Detective Blanc arrives upon hearing the news and invites Jude to help solve the case. Strange, almost supernatural murders begin to pile up—what secrets lie behind the former priest’s massive inheritance?

    The film continues the Knives Out series’ signature blend of mystery and comedy. Priests blurt out “Holy Shit” in fright before immediately confessing their sins, and the detective’s exaggerated, theatrical mannerisms are even more over the top than in the previous entry—so much so that the film itself openly pokes fun at him for “acting like he’s in a third-rate cop movie.” The cast is once again packed with big names, making it impossible to guess the killer through off-screen clues alone. While the story uses its plot to comment on false marketing, cult-style brainwashing, religious corruption, slut-shaming, and human hypocrisy, the pacing is fairly flat and the buildup overly long. The focus leans more toward Jude’s inner struggle and personal growth, leaving the ensemble cast somewhat underdeveloped, and the murder methods themselves are hardly ingenious. Still, many of the shot compositions are thoughtfully crafted, making it a passable watch.

    [US Series] Fallout Season 2

    • Keywords: Game Adaptation / Sci-Fi / Adventure / Action
    • Also known as: Fallout Season 2
    • Runtime: Approx. 60 minutes per episode × 8 episodes, updated weekly on Wednesdays
    • Where to watch: Prime Video; Douban link

    Perhaps the real question isn’t whether the world will end, but who gets to press the button.

    @SHY: After an unexpected twist, Lucy teams up with the Ghoul to track down her father, Hank, following his trail all the way to New Vegas on the far side of the wasteland. Meanwhile, Maximus returns to the Brotherhood of Steel and is forced to shoulder greater responsibility, while Norman—having uncovered the truth behind the Vaults—faces a painful choice. Will their paths ever cross again?

    When it comes to the game Fallout: New Vegas, its peerless web-like narrative structure is impossible to ignore, and the second season’s storytelling clearly leans in that direction. Lucy and the Ghoul’s long journey is interwoven with Cooper’s pre-war past, back when corporate executives pulled strings behind the scenes and Vaults 31 through 33—key pieces of the plan—were already on the brink of a storm. Spanning space and time, the series weaves together a sprawling ensemble, with events influencing one another as a grand tapestry of the wasteland’s fate slowly unfolds.

    Hardened by the trials of the first season, Lucy is no longer the naïve vault dweller she once was, yet she still clings to her principles—placing her in natural opposition to a seasoned survivor who has scraped by in the post-apocalyptic world for over two centuries. The chemistry between these two polar-opposite partners is genuinely compelling. Beyond familiar faces, Mr. House also unveils some of his inventive gadgets, promising a memorable show in New Vegas. Carrying on the games’ signature black humor while delivering a gripping wasteland adventure, the series remains a standout example of how video game adaptations should be done.

    [K-Drama] Pro Bono

    • Keywords: Drama / Comedy
    • Also known as: Free Legal Service / Pro Bono
    • Runtime: Around 70 minutes per episode × 12 episodes; Douban link

    Become a public-interest lawyer, and then—win people over!

    @Pan Yuhan: Judge Kang David is widely seen as a rising star in the legal world. His public confrontations with powerful conglomerates in court have earned him widespread admiration. What people don’t know is that this is all a carefully constructed façade. In truth, Kang David is a yes-man for his superiors, enduring scolding and humiliation because he has his sights set on becoming Chief Justice—he’s willing to do whatever it takes to climb the ladder. Just as he finally secures a nomination for the position, he’s framed. Forced to resign, his only option is to become a public-interest lawyer, hoping to prove his innocence to the bar association and put his career back on track.

    At its core, the premise is straightforward: take a protagonist who doesn’t seem particularly kind and who plans every move with calculation, turn him into a public-interest lawyer, and let him rediscover his original commitment to legal justice through case after case of pro bono defense. Yet the series still manages to surprise. Kang David may appear shrewd and world-weary, but beneath that polished exterior lies a genuinely gentle heart. As a public-interest lawyer, he cleverly employs some less-than-spotless tactics to help ordinary people find justice. So while the story follows familiar beats, it ultimately feels warm and reassuring.

    [J-Drama] They in the Shadows

    • Keywords: Drama
    • Also known as: Shadow Work / シャドウワーク / Shadow Work
    • Runtime: Around 50 minutes per episode × 5 episodes; Douban link

    Isn’t domestic violence just a bit of couple’s quarrelling—can it really be this serious?

    @Liz and the Blue Bird: Noriko, a full-time housewife who has suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, is introduced by a nurse named Michiko to a mutual-aid organization. The facility is not open to the public and has strict admission requirements. Five women live together there, all bearing shocking scars and severe psychological trauma. Through working in a bakery and participating in game activities, they help one another ease back into everyday life. The orderly, warm, and seemingly peaceful routine gradually helps Noriko regain her footing—until she realizes that the organization may have deeper goals of its own. Kaoru, a conscientious police officer, once took her fellow officer husband to court over domestic abuse, only to be ostracized and demoted within the force. That experience leaves her intensely focused on domestic violence cases, and she soon uncovers something unusual in one particular case—bringing nurse Michiko into her investigative sights.

    Adapted from the novel of the same name by Sano Hiromi, the series excels in its use of light, shadow, and visual texture. It zeroes in on the issue of domestic violence in Japanese society, employing a dual-track narrative to portray a battle of self-rescue by survivors, while gradually revealing a buried criminal mystery as the two storylines intersect. The show powerfully captures the terror of abusers and the profound, indelible impact inflicted on their victims: the demonic face that swings a knife in manic laughter one moment, then begs for forgiveness in agony the next; the abyss of isolation, inescapability, and relentless self-doubt. How, then, can these women ever find redemption and freedom?

    [UK Series] Cooper & Fry

    • Keywords: Drama / Mystery / Crime
    • Also known as: Cooper & Fry
    • Runtime: Around 90 minutes per episode × 4 episodes; Douban link

    @Pan Yuhan: On Fry’s very first day reporting to the Major Crimes Unit in Derbyshire, a case lands immediately on his desk. An unidentified set of remains is unearthed at a farm called “Tanglewood.” Upon receiving the report, senior leadership promptly decides to pair the newly appointed Fry with Detective Inspector Cooper to jointly investigate the case.

    Released toward the end of the year, this British crime series centers on detectives Cooper and Fry, following their efforts to uncover the truth behind a series of cases. The one-episode-one-case structure is clean and efficient—once one case is wrapped up, the next story begins. The biggest draw of the series, however, lies in watching these two detectives with completely different styles gradually磨合 and work together in pursuit of the truth. A true local and a “second-generation cop,” Cooper knows the area inside out; relying solely on the network of acquaintances built over years of living there already brings significant advantages to his investigations. As a result, he struggles to understand Fry’s methodical, detail-driven approach to solving cases. Fry’s strictly professional demeanor, in turn, creates a sense of distance from other team members, who tend to view the major crimes unit as a close-knit family.

    Packed with classic rural mystery elements, the series delivers a very familiar British crime-solving vibe, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.

    [Mainland China] Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty IV

    • Keywords: Action / Mystery / Fantasy / Historical
    • Also known as: Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Ⅳ
    • Runtime: Around 18 minutes per episode × 21 episodes
    • Where to watch: iQIYI; Douban link

    It’s essentially the fourth season of Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty.

    @Pan Yuhan: Due to limitations on episode count, the third season of Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty removed two cases that had already been filmed when it aired. The collective efforts of the production team, however, deserved to be seen—thus this horizontal short-form series, with episodes under 20 minutes, Strange Tales of Tang, came into being.

    Staying true to the style of the original series, Strange Tales of Tang continues to showcase exquisite visual aesthetics beneath layers of radiant imagery. Each carefully composed frame, combined with its visual effects, is highly watchable. The case setups and the design of the tricks are equally meticulous. A golden mask conceals half of a true face, attempting to breed eerie घटन from the shadows; flocks of birds gathered deep in the forest are exploited by schemers, turning them into deadly weapons. The cinematic costumes and makeup, paired with a distinctly Chinese sense of mystery, give the series an outstanding texture.

    Independently titled and released this time, the series centers on The Worry-Relief Shop and The Song of the Guilty Palace, while also unveiling the mystery of Fei Jishi’s origins. Though presented in a short-form format, the quality remains consistently high. Through its two cases, the show also alludes to contemporary issues such as cults and psychological manipulation—bold and sensitive in its approach.

    [Stand-up Comedy] Gianmarco Soresi: Thief of Joy

    • Keywords: Stand-up Comedy
    • Also known as: Gianmarco Soresi: Thief of Joy
    • Runtime: Around 66 minutes
    • Where to watch: YouTube; Douban link

    Let a professional handle the job of making you laugh out loud.

    @Pan Yuhan: Should the root cause of being 36 years old and still unsuccessful be blamed on your parents? Faced with this question, stand-up comedian Gianmarco Soresi offers a sharp analogy: “If you’re already inside a building with a flawed foundation, would you really feel safer when you’re on the 36th floor?” And so, starting with his own family of origin, this laugh-out-loud stand-up set gets underway.

    Thanks to his background in theater groups and his college training, Gianmarco seamlessly blends voice, presence, and physicality into his performance, elevating the overall stage effect. His broad gestures and exaggerated movements feel as though he’s pulling the audience directly into the riotously funny stories he’s spinning. Even on a small screen, the sense of immersion is unmistakable. People often say the biggest selling point of stand-up comedy is that it’s funny—and this special certainly delivers nonstop laughs. But beyond that, its real strength lies in using comedy to reveal a tragic core. Over the course of 66 minutes, Gianmarco touches on many weighty topics, yet each time he wraps them up with clever bits and punchlines, ending depth with laughter.

    [Documentary] 100 Ancient Dishes

    • Keywords: Documentary / Food
    • Also known as: Ancient Recipes / Ancient Dishes
    • Runtime: Around 12 minutes per episode × 100 episodes
    • Where to watch: Tencent Video (new episodes every Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday at 12:00 noon); Douban link

    Bringing the cuisine of ancient times into the modern day.

    @Pan Yuhan: Tencent Video recently launched a documentary produced by Chen Xiaoqing’s team, with Taiwanese scholar Gao Wenlin as the host. Centered on the theme of “recreating ancient cuisine,” each episode invites a guest to cook dishes recorded in classical culinary texts.

    At just 12 minutes per episode, the documentary is light, enjoyable, and guaranteed to make you hungry. Through casual conversations between the host and guests—peppered with historical references—one ancient dish after another is either successfully recreated or, at times, ends in a spectacular flop. Either way, viewers come away with a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese food culture. It turns out that food delivery was already highly developed in the Song dynasty, and Emperor Gaozong of Song even used takeout to entertain his guests; a Yuan-dynasty “dark-cuisine” dish, honey-fermented swimming crab, somehow turned savory crab sweet by using honey; Zeng Guofan was so addicted to spicy food that he couldn’t resist sprinkling chili powder even on bird’s nest; and the seemingly humble bowl of rice soaked in broth was once among the national banquet dishes of the Southern Song dynasty…

    China’s culinary culture is vast, profound, and extraordinarily long-lived—yet few people ever stop to wonder what people in ancient times actually ate. The arrival of 100 Ancient Dishes goes a long way toward filling that gap.

    [Reality Show] Three Idiots in Kenya

    • Keywords: Reality Show / Travel
    • Also known as: Three Meals in Kenya / 케냐 간 세끼 / Three Idiots in Kenya
    • Runtime: Around 70 minutes per episode × 6 episodes
    • Where to watch: Netflix; Douban link

    A long journey to Kenya, just to see giraffes.

    @Pan Yuhan: Back in 2019, entertainer Cho Kyuhyun won a grand prize—an all-out luxury trip to Kenya—on the show New Journey to the West. Unfortunately, due to production budget constraints and then the sudden outbreak of the pandemic, the reward was never fulfilled. Thanks to a collaboration between Netflix and Na Young-seok’s production team, this long-delayed trip—taken by Lee Su-geun, Cho Kyuhyun, and Eun Ji-won for the sole purpose of seeing giraffes—has finally come to fruition.

    What makes Na Young-seok’s shows so appealing, beyond being genuinely funny, is their sense of freedom and ease. You never know what will happen next, but no matter how bad or unlucky the situation gets, the cast always manages to carry on in their own rhythm. Take this trip, for example: what should have been a pleasant journey is derailed almost immediately upon arrival in Kenya when Cho Kyuhyun loses his phone; meanwhile, the aftereffects of six airplane meals during the long flight leave Eun Ji-won with little appetite for local food. This is where the production team’s experience really shows—they start with games at the hotel, letting everyone recover their mood and energy before heading out again. Through these games, viewers learn about Kenya’s wildlife alongside the cast; by following their journey, we also get up close with some truly extraordinary animals.

    More

    [UK Series] Man vs. Baby
    @SHY: On Christmas Eve, Trevor Bingley—recently laid off and unable to reunite with his family—unexpectedly lands a job looking after a luxury apartment in London. Things quickly spiral out of control when an unclaimed baby enters the picture. Following Man vs. Bee, Rowan Atkinson (“Mr. Bean”) returns in this Netflix-exclusive series, delivering his trademark slapstick performance in a farcical comedy steeped in Christmas cheer. There are bumps along the way, but the ending is inevitably heartwarming. With just four episodes totaling about the length of a feature film, it’s a great choice for shared holiday viewing.

    [Canada] Face-Off at the Summit
    @Pan Yuhan: Sean, from a Montreal team, and Ilya, who plays for a Boston team, are fierce rivals on the ice, battling each other mercilessly in every match. Off the rink, however, they are lovers who share warmth and intimacy. Brought together by competitive sports, they clash—and attract—at the same time. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the series uses ice hockey as its entry point to tell a love story about sexual minorities, with hormones and adrenaline running high in equal measure.

    [Poland] High Waves
    @Pan Yuhan: This Polish Netflix series is based on the 1993 capsizing of the ferry Jan Heweliusz in the Baltic Sea. Through meticulously constructed ferry sets, the show simulates and reconstructs the real conditions of the disaster as faithfully as possible. Yet the bulk of its narrative focuses on the aftermath, when the ferry company attempts to pin all the blame on the captain who perished in the accident. Such a scheme—one that tramples on both human life and conscience in order to bury the truth—is infuriating to watch.

    [J-Drama] The Promotion Game
    @Liz and the Blue Bird: This under-the-radar Japanese drama, adapted from a novel of the same name, frames its story as a selection test disguised as a corporate job interview. Divided into two camps, participants compete for votes through publicity, agitation, brainwashing, espionage, and more. The series showcases various propaganda techniques alongside psychological warfare and battles of wits, making for an intriguing setup. Whether it carries real-world political allegory is open to interpretation, but with fairly average performances and a more entertainment-oriented tone, it’s a watchable option if the premise piques your interest.

    [Animation] The Dark Lord Appears!
    @SHY: The protagonist believes he has been transported into the role of the game character Black-Winged Overlord Rufus and sets out to reunite with his former subordinates—but is that really the case? Adapted from a Japanese manga famed among battle-power enthusiasts as the pinnacle of combat scaling, the first season may not yet reach the story’s most universe-shattering moments, but the glimpse of its worldbuilding alone is compelling. Beyond the premise, the misunderstanding-driven plot is equally fun, and the production team adds a number of clever touches. It stands as one of the most comfortable-to-watch isekai anime of the season.

    [Animation] Record of Ragnarok Season 3
    @SHY: The Ragnarok battles that decide humanity’s fate reach Round 7, where Qin Shi Huang faces off against Hades in a clash of kings. Next, inventor Nikola Tesla challenges the dark god Beelzebub, pitting science against divine power; later, Spartan king Leonidas takes on Apollo, the god of the sun. Who will emerge victorious in the end? This season sticks to the familiar formula: outrageous, over-the-top battles filled with wild rhetoric, interwoven with equally unrestrained backstories. It’s hype at every turn—sure, there may be more things to nitpick than there was budget, but as long as it’s thrilling, that’s enough.

    📅 This Week’s New Trailers

    Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash — The Witch of Circe | Official Trailer

    On December 18, the animated film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash — The Witch of Circe released its official trailer. The film is set to premiere in Japan on January 30, 2026. As the second installment of the trilogy, it is directed by Shukou Murase, written by Yasuyuki Mutō, scored by Hiroyuki Sawano, and produced by Sunrise. Voice cast includes Kensho Ono, Reina Ueda, Junichi Suwabe, and Soma Saito, among others. Source

    Disclosure Day | First Trailer

    On December 17, Steven Spielberg’s brand-new film Disclosure Day unveiled its first trailer. The movie is scheduled for a North American release on June 12, 2026. Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell, the film is a sci-fi story centered on UFOs, extraterrestrials, and “the truth.” Source

    Digger | First Trailer

    On December 19, the film Digger released its first trailer and is set to open in North America on October 2, 2026. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Birdman, The Revenant) and starring Tom Cruise, the story follows the most powerful man in the world as he desperately tries to prove himself a savior—while the catastrophe he sets in motion threatens to destroy everything. Source

    Young Sherlock | First Trailer

    On December 18, the series Young Sherlock released its first trailer and will debut on Prime Video on March 4, 2026. Directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Donal Finn, Jing Zeng, and Natasha McElhone, the show is adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name and follows a young, inexperienced Sherlock Holmes as he becomes entangled in a murder case at Oxford University. Source

    More

    The Super Mario Bros. Movie releases a new teaser trailer:
    The film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie features voice performances by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black, and is set to hit North American theaters in April 2026.

    TV anime The Darwin Incident | Official Trailer:
    Adapted from the manga of the same name by Shun Umezawa, the series is directed by Naokatsu Tsuda, with series composition by Shinichi Inotsume, and produced by BELLNOX FILMS. Official HIGE DANDism performs the theme song. The story follows Charlie, a hybrid born from a human and a chimpanzee, and is scheduled to begin airing on January 6. Source

    Animated film Animal Farm | First Trailer:
    Based on George Orwell’s novel of the same name, the film is directed by Andy Serkis and written by Nicholas Stoller. After a group of animals overthrow their human owners and take over the farm, they face new challenges under the cunning rule of the pig Napoleon. The film is slated for a North American release on May 1, 2026. Source

    The SpongeBob Movie: Deep Sea Adventure | New Trailer:
    A brand-new feature film in the SpongeBob SquarePants series, directed by Derek Drymon, with voice performances by Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Mark Hamill, Clancy Brown, and Eszter Balint, among others. The film will be released nationwide on January 1. It tells the story of SpongeBob being tricked into a mysterious abyssal sea, prompting Mr. Krabs to lead the crew on a daring deep-sea rescue mission to save him.

    📽 Weekly Film & TV News

    Crayon Shin-chan: Strange and Curious! My Yokai Holiday set for a 2026 release
    On December 13, the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Strange and Curious! My Yokai Holiday unveiled a special teaser video and a super teaser visual. The film is scheduled to premiere in Japan in the summer of 2026. Directed by Masaki Watanabe and written by Yoshiko Nakamura, with animation by Shin-Ei Animation, the story follows Shin-chan and his family as they travel to Hiroshi’s hometown of Akita for a vacation—only to be swept into a grand adventure in a land of yokai. Source

    Extreme Judgment confirmed for a January 23 mainland China release
    On December 16, the film Extreme Judgment released its mainland China release trailer and poster, confirming a January 23 release date, day-and-date with North America. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, the film centers on Detective Raven, who finds himself on trial for allegedly murdering his wife. Given just 90 minutes to prove his innocence, can he find a way out of an algorithm-driven dead end? Source

    Eternal Station confirmed for a December 24 mainland China release
    On December 18, A24’s romantic comedy Eternal Station released its mainland China release trailer and poster, set to hit theaters on December 24. Directed by David Fain and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, the film poses a poignant question: with her longtime companion Larry of more than sixty years on one side, and her first husband Luke, who died young, on the other—who will Joan choose to spend eternity with? Source

    96 Minutes: Train Bombing Case set for January 10 release
    On December 19, the film 96 Minutes: Train Bombing Case unveiled its release-date trailer and poster, confirming a January 10 premiere. Directed by Hong Zi-xuan and starring Austin Lin, Vivian Sung, Wang Po-chieh, and Lee Lee-zen, the story follows former bomb disposal expert Song Kang-ren and his police-officer fiancée Huang Xin, who accidentally board a train carrying a special bomb. They have just 96 minutes—the duration of the train’s journey—to avert disaster. Source

    Robot Dreams set for a December 26 re-release
    On December 19, the animated film Robot Dreams was confirmed for a mainland China re-release on December 26. Directed by Pablo Berger, the film tells the story of a lonely dog and a robot who find companionship in a vast city—until an accident separates them. The film received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards and was previously recommended in What to Watch This Week, issue 240223. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Apple Adjusts App Store and iOS Rules in Japan, and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Apple Adjusts App Store and iOS Rules in Japan, and More

    Morning Brief

    1. Apple adjusts App Store and iOS rules in Japan
    2. Jizhi Dynamics launches the multi-form embodied robot TRON 2
    3. China Media Group unveils the mascot for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala
    4. Hainan Free Trade Port completes island-wide customs closure
    5. Volcengine officially releases the Doubao Large Model 1.8
    6. OpenAI announces developers can submit apps to ChatGPT
    7. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    Apple adjusts App Store and iOS rules in Japan

    On December 18, Apple announced a series of adjustments to the App Store and the iOS system in Japan to comply with the regulatory requirements of the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). Under the new rules, developers are allowed to offer third-party payment methods within their apps, direct users to websites to complete purchases, or distribute apps through alternative app marketplaces, alongside the introduction of a new fee structure. The overall framework is similar to the EU’s DMA, but differs in areas such as the parallel presentation of payment options, app distribution channels, and interoperability requirements.

    In addition, the MSCA is driving several system-level changes, including allowing users to choose default browsers, search engines, and navigation apps during setup, as well as opening the side button to eligible third-party voice assistants. In terms of protections for minors, Apple has introduced stricter restrictions on payments and external links for children’s apps and underage users. These changes began rolling out with the iOS 26.2 update and apply only to iOS apps distributed in Japan. Source

    Jizhi Dynamics launches the multi-form embodied robot TRON 2

    On December 18, LimX Dynamics announced the launch of its multi-form embodied robot TRON 2 and opened pre-orders, with a starting price of RMB 49,800. The product features a modular design that allows a single core body to rapidly switch between multiple configurations—such as dual-arm, bipedal, and wheeled-leg forms—covering use cases ranging from fine manipulation to mobility across complex terrain.

    In terms of system capabilities, TRON 2 is equipped with high-degree-of-freedom embodied dual arms and all-terrain locomotion, and supports the integration of multimodal perception components. The product offers open APIs and standardized hardware interfaces, enabling compatibility with mainstream Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, and is accompanied by secondary development tools and a data platform, targeting applications in research, industry, and embodied intelligence–related fields. Source

    China Media Group unveils the mascot for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala

    China Media Group has revealed the mascots for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala: four fine horses named “Qiqi,” “Jiji,” “Chichi,” and “Chengcheng,” which made their debut together. According to the announcement, the mascot designs draw inspiration from iconic depictions of horses across different periods of Chinese history, incorporating traditional motifs such as flowing cloud patterns and mountain-cloud patterns, symbolizing auspicious wishes for success and a bright future. Source

    Hainan Free Trade Port completes island-wide customs closure

    According to the official Hainan Free Trade Port WeChat account, starting December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port will officially implement an island-wide customs closure. After the closure takes effect, the relationship between Hainan and areas outside the island will be defined as the “first line,” with “outside the island” including not only foreign countries and regions, but also Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

    The account also released two catalogues. The first is a prohibited and restricted list, covering goods and items that are banned or restricted from import and export; goods and items not on the list may move freely. The second is the catalogue of taxable imported goods (also known as the “zero-tariff negative list”): goods not included in this catalogue may enter the free trade port exempt from import duties. After the customs closure, the policies of “zero tariffs, low tax rates, and a simplified tax system” will gradually be extended to a broader scope.

    For businesses, the Hainan Free Trade Port means a wider range of policy benefits with lower thresholds; for individuals, it means that purchasing various products in Hainan will become more affordable. Source

    Volcengine officially releases the Doubao Large Model 1.8

    At the Volcano Engine Force Core Power Conference held on December 18, ByteDance officially released Doubao Large Model 1.8. The model has been specifically optimized for multimodal agent scenarios, with enhanced capabilities in tool invocation, complex instruction understanding, and OS agent–related functions, significantly improving its planning and execution performance when handling complex tasks.

    Volcano Engine stated that in multiple public benchmarks, Doubao 1.8 achieved best-in-class or near-best results in tasks such as visual reasoning, general visual question answering, spatial understanding, and video understanding; it ranks among the global leaders on the general agent benchmark BrowseComp; and in foundational language model capabilities such as mathematics and reasoning, its overall performance is also close to that of the world’s top general-purpose models. Doubao 1.8 is now available on Volcano Engine and has opened its API to enterprises and developers. Source

    OpenAI announces developers can submit apps to ChatGPT

    On December 17, OpenAI announced that the previously launched ChatGPT app feature is now open for developer submissions. Developers can apply for listing in accordance with the app submission guidelines in order to publish their apps on the ChatGPT platform. OpenAI stated that it has provided a range of resources to help developers build higher-quality applications.

    At the same time, an app directory has gone live within ChatGPT. Users can browse recommended apps or search through all published apps in the directory. The directory can be accessed via the Tools menu, or directly by visiting chatgpt.com/apps. Developers can also use deep links on other platforms to take users directly to their app’s dedicated page within the directory.

    In the current early stage, developers can set up outbound links within their ChatGPT apps to guide users to their own websites or native apps to complete transactions for physical goods. In the future, OpenAI will explore additional monetization options, including digital goods, and will provide further details based on real-world usage and interactions between developers and users. Source

    In addition, ChatGPT has also been integrated into the Apple Music app, allowing users to search for songs and generate playlists directly within Apple Music. Source

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    • In the latest Android 2512 Canary build, the system has added a new “Satellite” Quick Settings tile along with a “Satellite Connectivity” settings page, which displays availability status and lists apps that support satellite networks. The tile will show as enabled, available, or unavailable depending on whether the user’s carrier plan supports NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) roaming. Code indicates that the system will present different lists of satellite-enabled apps based on whether the device and plan support LTE-NTN or narrowband NB-NTN. In addition to the already announced Google Maps, Messages, and WhatsApp, apps such as AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X also appear on the candidate list. This suggests that satellite communication capabilities within the Android ecosystem may continue to expand, though these features are still in testing and development. Source
    • According to Bloomberg, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew revealed in an internal memo that TikTok and ByteDance have signed binding agreements with Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX to establish a U.S. joint venture primarily owned by American investors, advancing TikTok’s long-delayed divestment plan. The transaction is expected to be completed on January 22, 2026, pending multiple preparatory steps and regulatory approvals. Source
  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Xiaomi Releases the MiMo-V2-Flash Model, FIFA to Launch a New Game, and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Xiaomi Releases the MiMo-V2-Flash Model, FIFA to Launch a New Game, and More

    Morning Brief

    • Xiaomi releases the MiMo-V2-Flash model
    • Adobe Firefly updates its video editing features
    • Baidu Mind Map announces the specific shutdown date
    • Leica to support the Capture One tethered workflow
    • Let’s Encrypt introduces a Generation Y certificate hierarchy
    • FIFA to jointly launch a new game with Netflix

    Xiaomi releases the MiMo-V2-Flash model

    On December 16, Xiaomi released the open-source MoE model Xiaomi MiMo-V2-Flash. The model has a total of 309B parameters, with 15B active parameters, and is designed specifically for agentic AI with a strong focus on speed.

    According to Xiaomi, MiMo-V2-Flash ranks in the global Top 2 among open-source models across multiple agent benchmarks. Its coding capabilities surpass those of all other open-source models and are on par with the flagship closed-source model Claude 4.5 Sonnet, while its inference cost is only 2.5% of that model’s and its generation speed is doubled.

    The model adopts a hybrid architecture combining Global Attention and Sliding Window Attention (SWA) at a 1:5 ratio, with a window size of 128, a native context length of 32K, and extended training up to 256K.

    Xiaomi also launched an online AI chat service, Xiaomi MiMo Studio (https://aistudio.xiaomimimo.com), where users can experience Xiaomi MiMo-V2-Flash. The service supports deep reasoning and web-connected search. Source

    Adobe Firefly updates its video editing features

    On December 17, Adobe rolled out an update to Adobe Firefly, introducing a new video editor that supports precise, text-prompt–based editing. The update also brings in multiple third-party models for image and video generation, including Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.2 and Topaz Labs’ Astra.

    With the new editor, users can modify video elements, colors, and camera angles using text prompts. A timeline view has also been added, making it easier to adjust frames, audio, and other video properties.

    In addition, Topaz Labs’ Astra model can be used to upscale video resolution to 1080p or 4K. Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.2 image generation model is set to arrive in the app as well, alongside a newly launched collaborative canvas feature.

    Adobe stated that the FLUX.2 model is available starting today across all Firefly apps, while Adobe Express users will gain access to the model beginning in January next year. Source

    Baidu Mind Map announces the specific shutdown date

    On December 16, Baidu Mind Map announced via an official notice that, due to product adjustments, the service will be officially discontinued on March 31, 2026. Baidu also reminded users to export and save important data locally in advance to avoid potential data loss. Source

    Leica to support the Capture One tethered workflow

    On December 11, Leica announced a partnership with Phase One to bring tethered shooting workflow support to Leica cameras and the Capture One photo editing software.

    When a Leica camera is connected to a computer running Capture One, photos can be transferred directly, and the camera can be remotely controlled from the computer, allowing photographers to shoot and edit simultaneously. Since Capture One also has an iPad version, this workflow can be used in on-location shooting scenarios as well.

    However, at present, Leica cameras do not support wireless tethered shooting. Only the SL3, SL3-S, M-EV1, M11-P, and Q3 models can display a live view feed while shooting. In addition, Phase One is offering a benefit to Leica users: all registered Leica members who own eligible camera models can receive a free three-month trial of Capture One Pro. Source

    Let’s Encrypt introduces a Generation Y certificate hierarchy

    On December 17, the free digital certificate provider Let’s Encrypt announced via its blog that it is transitioning from the X-generation root certificate system to the Y-generation certificate hierarchy. This change involves issuing two new root certificates (ROOT CAs) and six intermediate certificates. The new certificates will be cross-signed by the existing X-generation root certificates X1 and X2.

    ACME profiles are currently undergoing transitional adjustments. By May 13, 2026, the default profile will switch to the new Y-generation certificate hierarchy. However, due to upcoming root program requirements, the new intermediate certificates do not include the TLS client authentication extended key usage. As a result, starting in February 2026, Let’s Encrypt will discontinue support for TLS client authentication. Users who encounter issues or need more time to migrate to the Y-generation certificates may continue using the tlsclient profile until May 2026, after which the new profile must be enabled.

    In addition, beginning this week, some users may start seeing newly issued Y-generation certificates. This also marks the official rollout of Let’s Encrypt’s short-lived certificates, including support for issuing short-lived TLS certificates to IP addresses—meaning TLS certificates can now be issued without relying on domain names.

    FIFA to jointly launch a new game with Netflix

    On December 18, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that it will collaborate with Netflix to launch a new FIFA football game. The game will be led in development by the Delphi Interactive team, with Netflix Games handling publishing, and will be closely themed around the 2026 World Cup. However, neither party disclosed concrete details about the game’s content or development progress, stating only that information related to the gameplay experience will be revealed in 2026. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: X Reaffirms Ownership of the Twitter Trademark, China Approves Its First Batch of L3 Autonomous Vehicles, and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: X Reaffirms Ownership of the Twitter Trademark, China Approves Its First Batch of L3 Autonomous Vehicles, and More

    Morning Brief

    1. X reaffirms ownership of the Twitter trademark
    2. China approves its first batch of L3 autonomous driving models
    3. OpenAI launches GPT Image 1.5
    4. Google Labs introduces experimental AI agent CC
    5. Bambu Lab launches the “Let’s Make It” Creator Fund
    6. Google to shut down the “Dark Web Report” feature
    7. Steam 2025 Year in Review page goes live
    8. Merriam-Webster names “slop” as Word of the Year
    9. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    X reaffirms ownership of the Twitter trademark

    On December 16, X Corp. filed a lawsuit in federal court in Delaware against startup Operation Bluebird, accusing the company of attempting to revoke X’s ownership of the Twitter brand.

    On December 2, Operation Bluebird submitted a petition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking to cancel X’s federally registered Twitter and Tweet trademarks. The lawsuit centers on whether X still retains trademark rights to the Twitter brand following its rebranding in 2023. In its complaint filed in Delaware, X argues that the Twitter brand remains valid, noting that millions of users continue to access the platform via twitter.com, and stating that “rebranding does not equate to abandoning original trademark rights.” Source

    Around the same time, TechCrunch also discovered that X had updated its Terms of Service. The revised terms state that, effective January 16, 2025, nothing in the agreement grants users the right to use the X name or the Twitter name, including any X or Twitter trademarks, logos, domain names, other distinctive brand features, or other proprietary rights—despite Elon Musk having publicly stated in 2023 that he would abandon Twitter-related branding. Source

    China approves its first batch of L3 autonomous driving models

    On December 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially announced China’s first batch of entry permits for L3 (conditionally automated) driving vehicles. The approved models include the Changan SC7000AAARBEV all-electric sedan and the Arcfox-branded BJ7001A61NBEV all-electric sedan, designed respectively for urban congestion scenarios and highway driving.

    Both models will carry out on-road pilot programs in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing, marking a critical step as China’s L3 autonomous driving moves from the testing phase toward commercial application. Source

    OpenAI launches GPT Image 1.5

    On December 17, OpenAI released GPT Image 1.5. The new model promises up to a fourfold increase in image generation speed compared with its predecessor, improved prompt adherence, and more precise image editing capabilities that maintain visual consistency throughout the editing process. It also delivers greater reliability when handling smaller, denser text and large numbers of small-sized faces in images.

    The model has now been fully rolled out to all ChatGPT and API users. Source

    Google Labs introduces experimental AI agent CC

    On December 16, Google Labs announced the launch of an experimental AI agent called CC. The agent can connect to services such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive to help users stay on top of their daily schedules. Each morning, CC sends a “Today’s Agenda” briefing to the user’s inbox. In addition to schedule overviews, key tasks, and summaries of recent updates, the briefing may also include email drafts and calendar links when needed. Users can control CC and submit custom requests by replying to or directly sending emails, as well as use it to add personal information or jot down thoughts and to-do items.

    CC is now available in early access to Google account holders aged 18 and above in the United States and Canada, initially rolling out to Google AI Ultra users and paid subscribers. Source

    Bambu Lab launches the “Let’s Make It” Creator Fund

    On December 15, Bambu Lab announced the launch of the “Let’s Make It” Creator Fund. The fund aims to provide long-term financial, technical, and resource support to makers around the world, with each project eligible to receive up to RMB 1 million. Both individual creators and small studios are welcome to apply.

    The “Let’s Make It” Creator Fund is open on an ongoing basis with no application deadline. Applicants can submit project proposals through Bambu Lab’s official website, and the same applicant may submit multiple projects. After evaluation, the review committee will work with selected applicants to determine specific support plans. This is currently the largest maker grant program by funding amount known in China. Source

    Google to shut down the “Dark Web Report” feature

    On December 16, Google informed users via email that its security check tool “Dark Web Report,” which scans for personal data and password leaks, will be discontinued on February 16, 2026. Starting January 15, 2026, the feature will no longer provide new monitoring results; from February 16, 2026 onward, the feature and its associated data will no longer be available.

    Google stated that while the report tool could provide basic information, user feedback indicated that it failed to offer practical follow-up actions. As a result, Google has decided to shift its focus toward developing tools that deliver clearer and more actionable guidance. Source

    Steam 2025 Year in Review page goes live

    On December 17, the 2025 Steam Year in Review page officially went live. The statistics period for the 2025 Steam Year in Review runs from the very first second of January 1, 2025, to the very last second of December 14, 2025 (GMT). It does not include playtime in Offline Mode or while disconnected from the internet, nor does it count time spent running tools, unreleased, preloaded, pre-release, or disabled games, or other non-game software.

    Users can set the visibility of their Steam Year in Review page to “Friends Only” or “Public.” All adult members in a Steam Family will also automatically have permission to view the Steam Year in Review of every other member in that family, while child members do not receive any special access privileges. Source

    Merriam-Webster names “slop” as Word of the Year

    The well-known dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster recently announced that slop has been selected as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the widespread proliferation of low-quality AI-generated content across the internet. The term originally emerged in the 18th century to describe mud or sludge, but today it is more commonly defined as “low-quality digital content mass-produced by artificial intelligence.” Merriam-Webster president Greg Barlow said that the surge in searches for slop indicates growing public awareness of false and low-value content. Source

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    After reviewing Paramount’s all-cash offer of USD 30 per share and taking into account Paramount’s financing structure and regulatory approval pathways, Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly planning to reject the previously proposed USD 108.4 billion hostile takeover bid from Skydance Media. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Warner Bros. Discovery board plans to recommend that shareholders accept the existing Netflix deal, with a related announcement potentially coming as early as Wednesday. Source

    In response to claims by video creator @MLID that Samsung plans to gradually discontinue solid-state drives based on the SATA interface, wccftech contacted Samsung for comment. A Samsung spokesperson issued a brief response stating that rumors about Samsung phasing out SATA or other SSD products are false. However, as the response did not specifically address SATA SSDs, whether Samsung will discontinue its SATA SSD lineup remains unclear and is expected to become clearer next month. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: vivo Unveils the S50 Series and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: vivo Unveils the S50 Series and More

    Morning Brief

    1. vivo releases the S50 series smartphones
    2. Robot vacuum pioneer iRobot announces bankruptcy restructuring
    3. Google to bring real-time voice translation to Google Translate
    4. Astell&Kern’s IRIVER returns to the Chinese market
    5. Meituan announces suspension of the “Tuan Haohuo” business
    6. China Mobile releases a 6G transmission technology white paper and prototype
    7. Ant Group’s AI health app AQ renamed Ant Afu
    8. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    vivo releases the S50 series smartphones

    On December 15, vivo held the S50 series launch event, unveiling multiple new products.

    The vivo S50 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, featuring a 6.59-inch display and a 6,500mAh battery, with support for 90W wired fast charging. It uses an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor and the Ultra low-frequency global antenna. For imaging, it is equipped with a 50MP periscope telephoto camera using a 1/1.95-inch Sony IMX882 sensor, a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.56-inch Sony LYT-700V large sensor with advanced stabilization, and a 110° ultra-wide, low-distortion lens. The device focuses on 3× telephoto Live Photo shooting, and supports features such as Live Photo passerby removal, AI-customized beauty effects, film-style filters, and highlight slow-motion camera movement. The vivo S50 is available in Confession, Leisurely Blue, Inspiration Purple, and Deep Space Black, priced from CNY 2,999 (12GB+256GB) to CNY 3,599 (16GB+512GB).

    The vivo S50 Pro mini is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, with a 6.31-inch display and a 6,500mAh battery. It supports 90W wired fast charging and 40W wireless charging, and also features an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor and the Ultra low-frequency global antenna. In terms of imaging, the S50 Pro mini shares the same ultra-wide and periscope telephoto lenses as the S50, while its main camera uses a 50MP 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX921 ultra-sensitive bionic large sensor. The vivo S50 Pro mini is available in Confession, Inspiration Purple, and Deep Space Black, priced from CNY 3,699 (12GB+256GB) to CNY 4,299 (16GB+512GB). Pre-orders for both S50 models start today, with official sales beginning on December 19.

    In addition, vivo Pad5 Pro has introduced a new matte display edition, featuring a 3.1K high-definition matte screen produced with nano-level crystalline etching technology. The 12GB+256GB version is priced at CNY 3,699, while the 16GB+512GB version costs CNY 4,199, and is available starting today. Source

    Robot vacuum pioneer iRobot announces bankruptcy restructuring

    On December 14, iRobot—the company that pioneered the robot vacuum category—issued an announcement stating that it has reached a restructuring support agreement with its secured creditors and primary contract manufacturer, Shenzhen Shanchuan Robotics Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries. Under the agreement, Shanchuan Robotics will acquire iRobot and obtain 100% ownership.

    Following the completion of the acquisition, iRobot will become a wholly owned private company of Shanchuan Robotics and will be delisted from Nasdaq. Previously, Shanchuan Robotics had assumed iRobot’s USD 190 million loan. The acquisition will relieve iRobot of this debt, as well as an additional USD 161.5 million in loans owed to Shanchuan Robotics related to contract manufacturing. Shanchuan Robotics is one of the world’s largest contract manufacturers of robot vacuum cleaners. Source

    Google to bring real-time voice translation to Google Translate

    On December 12, Google published a blog post outlining the next phase of upgrades for Google Translate. Google will introduce real-time natural speech translation powered by Gemini across its apps. The Google Search app will deliver more natural and accurate text translations. With Gemini support, Google Translate will provide more precise translations of idioms, implied meanings, localized expressions, and slang. This feature will first launch in the U.S. and India on both app and web, supporting mutual translation between English and nearly 20 languages including Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, and German.

    At the same time, Google Translate is rolling out a beta Android app in the U.S., India, and Mexico that supports real-time natural speech translation—users can activate it simply by wearing headphones—with support for over 70 languages. The feature is expected to expand to the iOS app and more regions in 2026. In addition, the built-in language learning features within Google Translate will be extended to 20 new countries and regions, including Germany, India, and Sweden. Source

    Astell&Kern’s IRIVER returns to the Chinese market

    On December 13, South Korean digital audio brand IRIVER announced its return to the Chinese market via an official post on Xiaohongshu. IRIVER stated that it will focus on the Hi-Fi audio and CD player segments going forward, and that full-scale operations in the Chinese market will soon begin. Brands under the IRIVER umbrella include Astell&Kern, ACTIVO, and IRIVER. Source

    Meituan announces suspension of the “Tuan Haohuo” business

    On December 15, Meituan’s Tuan Haohuo business issued an internal email stating that, after research and discussion, the grocery retail management team has decided to suspend the Tuan Haohuo operation and refocus on exploring new retail formats. As an exploratory initiative within Meituan’s parcel-delivery e-commerce efforts, the business accumulated experience in product retail. However, in recent years, as the grocery retail sector has continued to innovate, parcel-based e-commerce has struggled to meet the needs of instant retail users. “We will follow the trend and proactively seek change,” the email said.

    Regarding personnel affected by this adjustment, Meituan noted that internal communication will be conducted, with detailed follow-up plans to be explained. Tuan Haohuo is a B2C e-commerce business incubated by Meituan. It launched as a mini program in August 2020, was promoted to a top-level entry within the Meituan app in December 2020, and was later renamed Meituan E-commerce. Source

    China Mobile releases a 6G transmission technology white paper and prototype

    On December 15, China Mobile published an article stating that, at the 2025 China Information and Communications Conference and the academic annual meeting of the China Institute of Communications, it released the China Mobile 6G Transmission Technology White Paper along with the “China Mobile 6G Transmission System Prototype 1.0.”

    The white paper proposes that the core concept of 6G transmission is to move from “connectivity” toward “beyond connectivity.” By deeply integrating three key elements—dynamic intelligence, multidimensional coordination, and end-to-end security—it aims to build an integrated 6G intelligent collaborative transmission network architecture consisting of a service perception layer, a coordinated transmission packet layer, a coordinated transmission channel layer, and a coordinated transmission medium layer. Source

    Ant Group’s AI health app AQ renamed Ant Afu

    On December 15, Ant Group held its Ant Health AI strategy and brand upgrade launch event, announcing that Ant AQ has been renamed Ant Aifu, alongside the release of a new version of the app. The Aifu app will focus on three core health functions: health companionship, health Q&A, and health services. It has already partnered with the health commissions of 8 provinces and municipalities, as well as the medical insurance authorities of 18 provinces and municipalities through the “Yibaor” program, forming a network of 200 hospital-based medical AI agents, and has launched joint AI research initiatives with 16 institutions. Source

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    • According to Tom, host of the Moore’s Law Is Dead channel, citing sources from multiple distribution and retail channels, Samsung is preparing to gradually exit its SATA SSD business and plans to halt SATA SSD production in the long term. If Samsung removes its SATA SSD production lines, it will inevitably put upward pressure on prices across the entire SSD market, including both SATA and NVMe products. This also signals that the era of low-cost SATA SSDs may be coming to an end. Source
    • Earlier this month, the GNOME Shell Extensions store banned AI-generated extensions from being listed. Source
    • At the Black Hat Europe conference on December 11, Microsoft Vice President Tom Gallagher announced that Microsoft will immediately expand the scope of its bug bounty program. Any critical vulnerability that has a direct and verifiable significant impact on Microsoft online services will now be eligible for a reward. Source
    • According to the Financial Times, the UK government is considering requiring Apple and Google to build age-verification systems and explicit-content detection algorithms directly into their operating systems. Until users complete adult verification via biometric methods or official identification, all explicit content would be blocked by default. Source
    • Many LG webOS TV users have reported that after completing a recent webOS system update, a non-removable Microsoft Copilot app appeared on the home screen. Source
  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Market Regulator Drafts Compliance Guidelines to Curb “Selling Cars at a Loss”

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Market Regulator Drafts Compliance Guidelines to Curb “Selling Cars at a Loss”

    Morning Brief

    1. Market regulator drafts compliance guidelines to curb “selling cars at a loss”
    2. Motion-sensing game console Nex Playground gains popularity in the U.S.
    3. Musk seeks evidence from Alipay in lawsuit accusing Apple of monopoly practices
    4. OpenAI begins selling physical merchandise
    5. Central authorities signal continuation of national subsidies next year, with policies to be optimized
    6. Doubao mobile assistant clarifies it cannot capture screenshots of banking keyboards
    7. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    Market regulator drafts compliance guidelines to curb “selling cars at a loss”

    On December 12, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released the Automobile Industry Price Conduct Compliance Guidelines (Draft for Public Comment) and opened it for public feedback. The document emphasizes that automobile manufacturers and dealers that “sell cars at a loss” through various means will face significant legal risks.

    The Guidelines first detail pricing conduct requirements for automobile manufacturers, calling for: the establishment of end-to-end pricing management systems covering vehicle sales and financial services; clear and transparent rebate policies that respect dealers’ independent pricing rights; prohibitions on price collusion, below-cost sales aimed at excluding competitors, and price discrimination; and requirements that “paid unlock” features disclose free-use periods and fee standards to protect consumers’ right to be informed.

    The Guidelines also specify pricing conduct requirements for automobile dealers, including: clear price marking and strict separation of vehicle prices from sales service fees; standardized promotions; bans on deceptive pricing, false reference prices, and failure to honor pricing commitments; encouragement for platforms to provide two-way alerts for conspicuously low prices; and strict prohibitions on charging without providing services, duplicate charges, and passing on improper fees.

    In addition, the Guidelines encourage companies to establish internal compliance management systems covering price decision-making, contract management, internal oversight, and risk prevention, so as to prevent pricing violations at the source.

    In response, automakers such as Changan Automobile, BYD, BAIC Group, and XPeng have successively stated their support and indicated they will actively comply with the Guidelines.

    Since the beginning of this year, regulators have continued to roll out measures to curb “involution” in the auto industry. In March, a senior official at the National Development and Reform Commission criticized disorderly competition in the car market, noting that some companies were sacrificing profits to grab market share, and pledged efforts to rectify market chaos and regulate competition. In May, an official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said oversight of involution-style competition would be intensified. In June, under regulatory guidance, automakers committed to shortening supplier payment terms to 60 days; in September, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers further issued initiatives to standardize practices.

    Motion-sensing game console Nex Playground gains popularity in the U.S.

    According to The Wall Street Journal, during the 2025 U.S. holiday shopping season, a motion-sensing game console called Nex Playground unexpectedly emerged as a market “dark horse.” Launched by Silicon Valley startup Nex, Nex Playground topped Amazon’s Toys & Games rankings during Black Friday and sold out at brick-and-mortar retailers such as Walmart and Target. Data shows that its single-week sales surpassed Microsoft’s Xbox, trailing only Sony’s PS5 and Nintendo’s Switch 2, ranking third in overall U.S. game hardware sales.

    Priced at $249 (approximately RMB 1,757), Nex Playground’s core appeal lies in completely abandoning traditional controllers in favor of capturing player movements via built-in cameras and AI-powered computer vision. Unlike conventional consoles, the product targets family and parent–child scenarios, encouraging kids to “get moving” in the living room rather than slumping on the couch—an approach that has resonated strongly with parents. In addition, Nex secured the IP licensing rights to Bluey, a children’s animated series with exceptionally high viewership on streaming platforms, which became a key driver behind the surge in sales.

    Nex’s success stems from a high-risk business pivot. The company originally started by developing an AI basketball training app and once received investment from NBA star Steve Nash. After recognizing the market ceiling of a single sports-focused app, the team leveraged its core vision technology to first pivot into AR game development, and then crossed over into the supply-chain-intensive hardware sector, aiming to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the Nintendo Wii in the motion-gaming market.

    The commercial returns from this transformation have been striking. Two years ago, the device sold only 5,000 units; this year, sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday surpassed 300,000 units, with full-year sales projected to reach 600,000. Company revenue is expected to grow from roughly $3 million annually to $150 million, with profitability anticipated for the first time.

    Musk seeks evidence from Alipay in lawsuit accusing Apple of monopoly practices

    According to 9to5Mac, newly disclosed court filings show that in xAI’s antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, Elon Musk’s company sought documentary evidence from foreign tech firms including China’s Alipay and South Korea’s Kakao. The aim is to argue that Apple preserves its iPhone hardware monopoly and high pricing by restricting the growth of “super apps.”

    In the case, xAI alleges that Apple not only entered into exclusive agreements with OpenAI and suppressed the visibility of competitors such as Grok in the App Store, but also used ecosystem rules to block “super apps” that integrate instant messaging, payments, transportation, and e-commerce. Musk’s team contends that such apps reduce users’ dependence on a specific operating system, making it easier for consumers to switch from iPhones to other brands, and are therefore deliberately constrained by Apple.

    Under evidence-gathering requests sent to judicial authorities in China and South Korea pursuant to the 1970 Hague Evidence Convention, xAI asked Alipay and KakaoTalk to provide their App Store ranking histories, revenue data, and internal strategic assessments on “how super apps affect users’ willingness to switch smartphones.” Under the Hague Convention, judicial authorities in one contracting state may request evidence from the competent authority of another contracting state in civil or commercial matters. xAI is expected to submit similar requests to other leading Asian app developers, including WeChat and Grab.

    Musk has long sought to transform the social platform X (formerly Twitter) into a Western-style “super app” akin to WeChat. While the lawsuit initially appeared to stem from a dispute over Grok’s App Store ranking, the expanding scope of evidence collection suggests the case’s core has clearly shifted toward Musk’s ambitions for an all-in-one app.

    OpenAI begins selling physical merchandise

    According to Business Insider, to mark its 10th anniversary, OpenAI has opened its official merchandise store, OpenAI Supply Co., to the public for the first time. Previously, the store was accessible only to internal employees. After OpenAI shared the store link on X, it quickly sparked a buying frenzy, with most popular sizes of hoodies and T-shirts already sold out.

    The store currently lists 10 items available for purchase, largely themed around OpenAI’s technological vision and geek culture. For example, there is a set of Pokémon-style collectible trading cards featuring models such as Sora 2 and GPT-5, as well as several apparel designs incorporating elements of “artificial general intelligence” (AGI). Beyond the items for sale, the website also showcases a large archive of past merchandise, including hats printed with the “1-800-CHATGPT” phone number and retro designs featuring San Francisco city motifs.

    Central authorities signal continuation of national subsidies next year, with policies to be optimized

    According to Yicai, the Central Economic Work Conference held in Beijing from December 10 to 11 made it clear that next year China will “adhere to demand-driven growth and build a strong domestic market,” and will optimize the implementation of the “Two New” policies.

    The so-called “Two New” policies refer to large-scale equipment upgrades and the trade-in program for consumer goods, the latter of which is commonly known as the “national subsidy.” The conference’s clarification that the “Two New” policies will be optimized in 2026 indicates that national subsidies will continue next year, though with adjustments to specific measures.

    To boost consumption, China issued RMB 150 billion in ultra-long-term special government bonds in 2024 to support consumer goods trade-ins. Given the strong results that year, China doubled the amount in 2025, issuing RMB 300 billion in ultra-long-term special bonds for the same purpose. The 2025 national subsidy program also expanded on the 2024 scope, adding three categories of digital products—smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches/bands—as well as four categories of home appliances, including microwave ovens, water purifiers, dishwashers, and rice cookers.

    Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that from January to November this year, consumer goods trade-ins drove related product sales exceeding RMB 2.5 trillion, benefiting more than 360 million instances of consumers. Among them, over 11.2 million vehicles were traded in, more than 128.44 million home appliances were replaced, subsidies covered over 90.15 million purchases of phones and other digital products, more than 12.91 million electric bicycles were traded in, and over 120 million home renovation and kitchen/bathroom “refresh” items were upgraded.

    Experts interviewed said that the national subsidy budget in 2026 may see a moderate increase over 2025 levels, with further optimization of funding allocation—potentially expanding into service consumption—to better leverage fiscal spending to stimulate consumption, promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and support economic growth.

    Doubao mobile assistant clarifies it cannot capture screenshots of banking keyboards

    On December 13, in response to recent online claims that the “Doubao Mobile Assistant” exploits special permissions to steal private information such as banking keyboard inputs, the Doubao team issued a statement clarifying that this interpretation is incorrect. The company said the assistant uses the system’s native screenshot APIs and strictly follows Android’s underlying security mechanisms, making it impossible to capture protected interfaces such as those used by banking apps.

    The core of the controversy centers on the use of permissions such as READ_FRAME_BUFFER. Doubao explained that the assistant employs a “virtual screen” technology, running third-party apps within a virtualized environment. While this permission allows reading the graphics buffer for AI inference, on Android, once an app invokes the FLAG_SECURE interface (as is typically the case during sensitive steps like password entry), the system returns black-screen data at the graphics rendering layer for any screenshot or screen-recording request. As a result, even with screen-reading permissions, no actual content can be seen.

    Regarding the CAPTURE_SECURE_VIDEO_OUTPUT permission, Doubao said its practical purpose is to ensure that users can visually view protected pages normally when operating in small-window modes such as the “Dynamic Island,” rather than seeing a completely black screen. This, however, does not change the page’s inherent screenshot-blocking properties.

    Doubao added that the mobile assistant currently operates on a workflow of user command → screenshot upload to the cloud → model feedback. Because the multimodal large models required for interface analysis have massive parameter sizes and are constrained by current mobile chip performance, screenshots must be uploaded to the cloud for processing. The company emphasized that screenshots are taken only when explicitly triggered by user commands, and uploaded data is used solely for real-time visual understanding and reasoning, with no cloud storage after the task is completed.

    The technical preview version of the “Doubao Mobile Assistant” was released on December 1 and preinstalled on the nubia M153 engineering prototype jointly developed by ByteDance and ZTE, which was sold in limited quantities. On December 3, after encountering risk-control restrictions that prevented normal use of WeChat, Doubao removed the assistant’s ability to operate WeChat. On December 5, Doubao announced plans to standardize and adjust certain AI phone-operation capabilities, including—but not limited to—score farming, incentive farming, and scenarios involving financial apps and games.

    Rumors You Can Just Glance At

    • According to Macworld, a leaked internal build of iOS 26 reveals some of Apple’s future development plans. Among them, iOS 26.4—expected to be released in spring 2026—will include a revamped Siri integrated with Apple Intelligence and based on Google’s Gemini model, along with a redesigned Health app interface. The code also indicates Apple is developing a new verification system that checks device integrity before Apple ID sign-in, meaning devices that have been “jailbroken” or otherwise modified without authorization may be unable to access online services such as iCloud. In addition, the Apple TV app may add a “Sports” subscription, and the Freeform app is set to gain folder management features.
    • On the hardware side, AirPods Pro 3 will leverage the built-in U2 ultra-wideband chip to support “outdoor Precision Finding” within the Find My network. Looking further ahead, iOS 27 is expected to improve the Photos app’s “Featured” functionality and AirPods pairing mechanisms, while iOS 28 plans to add sleep-tracking metrics such as “time in bed” for Apple Watch. macOS 28 is also slated to receive the Health app.