Category: NEWS

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1 Series Models, Apple Launches Mini-App Partner ProgramIs “Fruit-Flavored AI” on the way?

    SSPAI Morning Brief: OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1 Series Models, Apple Launches Mini-App Partner ProgramIs “Fruit-Flavored AI” on the way?

    Morning Brief Highlights

    1. OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1 Series Models
    2. Apple Launches Mini-App Partner Program
    3. DJI Releases Osmo Action 6 Action Camera
    4. Google Relaxes Restrictions on Installing Unverified Apps
    5. Aqara Launches FP300 Presence Sensor Overseas
    6. Microsoft Confirms Low-Latency Audio Driver for ARM Windows 11 Coming in 2026
    7. 1Password Introduces New “Unlock with Device” Feature
    8. Just Some Rumors to Browse Through

    OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1 Series Models

    OpenAI released two new models—GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking—on November 13, now available to ChatGPT users. GPT-5.1 Instant serves as the faster default option, while GPT-5.1 Thinking focuses on advanced reasoning and decision-making for complex tasks. According to OpenAI, both models outperform the previous GPT-5 in math and programming benchmarks such as AIME 2025 and Codeforces.

    In addition to the new models, OpenAI introduced eight preset communication styles, including “Professional,” “Friendly,” “Frank,” “Quirky,” “Efficient,” “Cynical,” and “Nerdy,” allowing users to match different expression preferences. GPT-5.1 also features “adaptive reasoning,” automatically adjusting its depth of thought based on task difficulty to strike a balance between performance and speed.

    ChatGPT will later add more granular personalization settings, enabling users to adjust reply conciseness, tone warmth, and even the frequency of emojis.

    The new models will roll out in phases, with paid users gaining access first, followed by free users. API support will be available in two versions: gpt-5.1-chat-latest and gpt-5.1. OpenAI also released a safety system card, emphasizing the need to balance customization flexibility with mental-health-related safeguards. Source

    Apple Launches Mini App Partner Program

    On November 14, Apple introduced the Mini App Partner Program, allowing HTML5-based mini apps and mini games—hosted within native apps—to be distributed through the App Store.

    According to Apple, the program targets mini apps and mini games built with technologies such as HTML5 and JavaScript and embedded within native host apps, offering developers a new compliant pathway and commercial incentives. Under the program’s requirements, host apps must support the Advanced Commerce API for product display and payment processes, adopt the Declared Age Rating API to ensure age-appropriate content, and use Apple’s In-App Purchase system to guarantee a trustworthy purchasing experience. In addition, apps must integrate the Consumption API to report users’ consumption status within mini apps back to Apple. Eligible mini apps can benefit from a 15% in-app purchase commission rate. Developers can join the program by submitting an application form. Source

    Subsequently, WeChat stated:

    We welcome Apple’s support for mini app and mini game developers and are pleased to see the launch of the Mini App Partner Program. We will provide access services for developers as soon as possible and work together to build a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

    DJI Releases Osmo Action 6 Action Camera

    The Osmo Action 6 features a 1/1.1-inch 38-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with an ƒ/2.0–ƒ/4.0 variable-aperture lens—DJI’s first use of variable aperture in an action camera. The Osmo Action 6 supports up to 4K 120fps or 1080p 240fps video recording. It also includes a 4K Free Frame mode, allowing users to freely switch between horizontal and vertical video at any time.

    In addition, DJI says the variable-aperture design provides more targeted image performance across different shooting scenarios including strong light, low light, action, and night scenes. In Auto Mode, the camera intelligently adjusts the aperture based on ambient brightness. For night shooting, the Super Night Mode fixes the aperture at ƒ/2.0 to maximize light intake, reduce noise, and enhance shadow detail. In well-lit environments, the Starburst Mode narrows the aperture to ƒ/4.0, creating pronounced starburst effects around point light sources.

    The Osmo Action 6 is available in two versions: the Standard Combo, priced at 2,998 RMB and including the camera and basic accessories; and the Creator Combo, priced at 3,698 RMB and adding three batteries, a multifunction battery case, and a 1.5-meter extension rod. Source

    Google Relaxes Restrictions on Installing Unverified Apps

    On November 13, Google announced that it is developing an “Advanced Process” for developers and power users, allowing them to install apps from unverified developers after fully understanding the associated risks. This process will provide clear warnings and incorporate anti-coercion design to prevent users from being pressured—such as through scams—into bypassing security mechanisms, ensuring the final decision remains firmly in the user’s hands.

    The move is seen as a significant concession from Google’s earlier Android policy. Starting next year, Android had planned to fully block the installation of unverified apps, raising concerns among enthusiasts about the potential demise of the sideloading ecosystem. Previous workarounds relied heavily on ADB, making the process cumbersome. Google says it has begun gathering early feedback and will share more details in the coming months. Source

    Aqara Launches FP300 Presence Sensor Overseas

    Aqara has released its first battery-powered indoor presence sensor, the FP300, for overseas markets. The sensor combines PIR with 60 GHz mmWave radar, enabling it to detect both moving and stationary individuals within a range of about 20 feet. It also integrates temperature, humidity, and light sensors, supporting home automation scenarios such as lighting control and environmental adjustments. Powered by two CR2450 coin batteries, the FP300 can last around three years in a Zigbee setup or about two years when using Thread.

    The product is compatible with platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. When connected via Zigbee, users can fine-tune detection range or disable certain sensors in the Aqara app to extend battery life. Compared with the more advanced FP2, the FP300 does not support multi-person detection, fall detection, or sleep-related features such as heart rate and breathing monitoring. The FP300 is now available on Amazon and the Aqara official website for USD 49.99. Source

    Microsoft Confirms Low-Latency Audio Driver for ARM-Based Windows 11 Coming in 2026

    In a blog post published on November 12, Microsoft announced that a new built-in low-latency audio driver will arrive for the Windows on Arm platform in 2026. Co-developed by Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Yamaha, the driver is compatible with both USB Audio Class 2 and ASIO standards. It aims to simplify the setup process for professional audio equipment while ensuring all compatible devices can achieve stable, studio-grade performance.

    Most major digital audio workstations have already completed native adaptation for the Arm64 architecture, including Steinberg Cubase, Nuendo, REAPER, Bitwig Studio, and Cakewalk Sonar. Ableton Live has also confirmed that its native Arm64 version will be released in 2026. Source

    1Password Introduces New “Unlock with Device” Feature

    On November 13, 1Password announced a new desktop unlocking mechanism that allows the app to unlock automatically when a Mac or PC is unlocked—no need to enter the master password each time. This system relies on the device’s biometric or password authentication, maintaining end-to-end encryption and the existing security architecture while improving convenience.

    The update offers three security presets:

    • Convenient Mode: 1Password locks and unlocks automatically with the device.
    • Balanced Mode: The app requires a manual unlock the first time every 8 hours; afterward, it unlocks with the device.
    • Strict Mode: The app locks immediately when not in use, and every access requires re-authentication.

    Users can further fine-tune their preferences through “Preview Changes,” such as choosing a device password instead of Touch ID, enabling auto-unlock with the device, or staying signed in until manually logging out. If opting for a more lenient unlock method, the system will prompt users to create a recovery code to securely regain account access if a password is forgotten. 1Password notes that this feature is not yet available for Business accounts, and security presets do not sync across devices. Mobile platforms already offer similar mechanisms, though the exact unlock logic differs. Source

    Additionally, Microsoft has introduced system-level support for 1Password Passkeys in the November 2025 security update. When signing in to apps or services, users can now choose 1Password-provided passkeys—alongside Microsoft’s own password manager—for passwordless authentication, further expanding Windows’ third-party login ecosystem. Microsoft says it will continue bringing native passkey support to more high-quality password managers in the future.Source

    Just Some Rumors to Look At

    Shanghai’s Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization announced that Tesla’s xBot customer service system and Volvo’s “XiaoWo” intelligent assistant—both recommended and filed by Shanghai—have officially passed approval from the relevant national authorities, becoming part of the first batch of large-model products from foreign enterprises allowed to go online. Previously, Mercedes-Benz’s “Virtual Assistant” also passed review by the Beijing Cyberspace Administration. Source

    Valve recently told IGN that the company currently has no new updates regarding the Steam Deck 2. The reason, they explained, is that they have yet to find a processor that can deliver a noticeable performance boost without compromising the current device’s battery life. As a result, the release timeline for the Steam Deck 2 remains undetermined. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Valve Announces New Steam Hardware and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Valve Announces New Steam Hardware and More

    Quick News Summary

    1. Valve Announces New Steam Hardware
    2. Microsoft to Phase Out Microsoft Publisher
    3. WeChat Reveals Hidden Video Call Features
    4. Huawei to Cancel Continuous Subscription Plan for High-Precision Positioning Service
    5. Synology Fixes Critical Remote Execution Vulnerability in BeeStation

    Valve Announces New Steam Hardware

    On November 13, Valve announced a new lineup of Steam hardware products set to launch in 2026, including the Steam Frame VR headset, Steam Machine console, and a new Steam Controller.

    The Steam Frame features a lightweight, modular design — the core body weighs only about 185 grams, and with the head strap and face mask, the total weight comes to around 440 grams. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and runs SteamOS, a Linux-based system. With the upgraded Proton compatibility layer, it can natively run most Linux, Windows, and Android games, while also supporting high-quality wireless game streaming from a PC via the included 6GHz wireless adapter. The display consists of dual 2160×2160 LCD panels, supporting up to a 144Hz refresh rate.

    In terms of tracking and interaction, the Steam Frame abandons the Lighthouse base stations used in the Index era and adopts an inside-out tracking system with four outward-facing grayscale cameras and two inward-facing eye-tracking cameras. This setup enables spatial positioning and eye-tracking, which can be leveraged for foveated rendering and foveated streaming, reducing bandwidth and latency requirements. Additionally, Valve has integrated dual speaker units into both sides of the head strap. The opposing layout helps minimize low-frequency vibration interference with camera tracking, maintaining both immersive audio and tracking precision. Source

    Product Images — Courtesy of News Sources

    The Steam Machine is positioned as a console-class device designed for high-definition television platforms. According to Valve, its performance is approximately six times more powerful than that of the Steam Deck handheld, supporting 4K resolution at 60 fps gaming. It also runs the Linux-based SteamOS and comes preloaded with the Proton compatibility layer to ensure seamless compatibility with Windows games available in the Steam library. In terms of controllers, the new Steam Controller has been redesigned, combining the traditional gamepad layout with elements such as touchpads and shoulder triggers, making it better suited for living room and home console use.

    Product Images — Courtesy of Valve

    As of now, Valve has not yet announced the specific release date or pricing details for the new products. Source

    Microsoft to Retire Microsoft Publisher

    On November 11, Microsoft announced that it will end all support for its desktop publishing software Microsoft Publisher starting in October 2026. At that time, Publisher will no longer be included in the Microsoft 365 suite, and users will not be able to launch or access its features. According to Microsoft, the retirement of Publisher is primarily due to functional redundancy. Tools such as Word, PowerPoint, Designer, and Microsoft Create already overlap with Publisher’s features. For users who are still relying on Publisher, Microsoft recommends taking action as soon as possible by using the “Save As” function to convert all project files into more universal formats such as PDF or Word for storage and backup. Source

    WeChat Unveils Hidden Video Call Features

    On November 12, the WeChat team published a blog post revealing three hidden features currently available in WeChat video calls. The first feature allows users to initiate a video call directly from the phone’s lock screen via the Care Mode “One-Tap Video Call”, making it easier for users—especially the elderly—to connect with family members. The second feature enables a “split-face” effect: by long-pressing the video call’s floating window and dragging it to the top of the screen, users can activate split-screen mode, displaying both participants simultaneously. The third feature allows for instant call connection—if both parties press the call button at the same time, WeChat will automatically skip the call confirmation step and connect immediately. Source

    Huawei to Discontinue Monthly Subscription Plan for High-Precision Positioning Service

    On November 12, Huawei announced through its Member Center app that, due to business adjustments, the company will officially terminate the continuous monthly subscription plan for its High-Precision Positioning Service on November 30, 2025. After the termination date, the service’s auto-renewal feature will also be disabled. Huawei’s High-Precision Positioning Service is based on real-time kinematic (RTK) differential technology, providing greater GNSS positioning accuracy. Once activated, the service automatically engages during navigation on supported roads within map applications. Even after the discontinuation of the monthly subscription plan, users will still be able to manually subscribe to one-month access to continue using the service as needed. Source

    Synology Fixes Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in BeeStation

    Recently, NAS brand Synology released a security update addressing a critical remote code execution (RCE) zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-12686) found in its personal cloud product BeeStation. The flaw was publicly demonstrated earlier at the well-known Pwn2Own hacking competition, posing a direct threat to users’ personal data security.

    The technical root of the vulnerability lies in a failure to validate input size during buffer copying. Attackers could exploit this flaw to remotely execute arbitrary code without any physical access to the device, potentially gaining full control over affected systems. According to Synology’s official security advisory, no temporary mitigations or workarounds are available for this issue. The only solution is to update the system.

    Synology strongly recommends all users upgrade BeeStation OS to version 1.3.2-65648 or later, which has fully patched the vulnerability. Source

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: vivo Launches Y500 Pro and More

    SSPAI Morning Brief: vivo Launches Y500 Pro and More

    Morning Highlights

    1. vivo launches Y500 Pro smartphone
    2. Nintendo opens Switch 2 game compatibility site
    3. Android 16 further refines “approximate location” policy to enhance privacy
    4. Fujifilm’s new instax mini LiPlay+ instant camera goes on sale
    5. Microsoft to retire “Reuse Slides” feature in PowerPoint
    6. Rumors worth a glance

    vivo Launches Y500 Pro Smartphone

    On November 10, vivo held a launch event for its Y-series lineup, unveiling the new vivo Y500 Pro

    The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor and features a 7000mAh semi-solid Blue Ocean battery supporting 90W wired fast charging. It has passed five military-grade environmental durability tests and adopts a RockShield anti-drop structure, with IP68 + IP69 dust and water resistance ratings. The Y500 Pro sports a 6.67-inch display with 3840Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming and an AG glass finish. For imaging, it comes with a 200MP Samsung HP5 main camera offering CIPA 4.0-level optical stabilization. The phone is available in Titan Black, Auspicious Gold, Mint Green, and Soft Pink, priced from ¥1,799 (8GB+128GB) to ¥2,599 (12GB+512GB). Source

    Nintendo opens Switch 2 game compatibility site

    On November 10, Nintendo launched a new website that allows players to check the compatibility of original Switch games with the upcoming Switch 2 console. The tool helps users determine which titles may not run or may perform imperfectly before purchasing the new device. Nintendo explained that users simply need to search for a game’s title, and the system will display its compatibility status. The results apply to both physical cartridges and digital versions of games. In addition to games, the website can also look up certain applications. Some listings include notes on recent patch updates, while others may be marked as “Incompatible” or “Unsupported.” However, most entries will simply indicate that “This game can run on Switch 2.” Source

    Android 16 further refines “approximate location” policy to enhance privacy

    According to Android Authority, Google is updating its approximate location policy in Android 16, introducing a new system called “density-based coarse location.” Previously, Android’s approximate location feature would show a user’s position within a 3-square-kilometer radius. However, in sparsely populated areas or regions with few nearby residences, this radius could still allow others to infer a user’s precise location. With the new policy, when the system detects that the surrounding area has a low population density, it will now return more offset and less precise location data, further protecting user privacy. This feature is powered by the PopulationDensityProvider component within Google Play Services. Source

    Fujifilm’s new instax mini LiPlay+ instant camera goes on sale

    Fujifilm’s new instant camera instax mini LiPlay+, released this October, is now available in China at a price of 1,599 RMB. The camera features dual front and rear lenses, with the main lens offering a 28mm focal length, f/2.0 aperture, and autofocus support. The selfie lens provides a 23mm focal length, f/2.2 aperture, and uses a fixed-focus design. It comes equipped with a 3.0-inch TFT color LCD screen with approximately 920,000 pixels, and includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to store photos in either internal memory or on a microSD card. Among its signature features, the LiPlay+ supports “Sound Photos”, letting users record up to 3 seconds of audio by pressing the music button after taking a photo. The sound can also be added later via the mobile app. Printed photos with recorded audio include a QR code—scanning it with a phone plays back the sound captured at that moment. The camera also supports a “Collage Photo Mode”, which can combine images from both the front and rear cameras into a single printed collage directly in-camera. Through the companion smartphone app, users can also remotely control the camera for group shots. Additionally, the LiPlay+ can function as a photo printer, allowing users to print pictures directly from their phones. Source

    Microsoft to retire “Reuse Slides” feature in PowerPoint

    Microsoft plans to gradually phase out the “Reuse Slides” feature in PowerPoint starting in December 2025, with a full removal scheduled for January 2026 on both Windows 11 and macOS. The “Reuse Slides” feature allows users to import one or more slides from other presentations while maintaining precise control over formatting. When using it, users can choose to keep the original design elements—such as company logos, headers, and footers—or import only the content to ensure a consistent style across their presentation. According to Microsoft, the feature is being retired because it overlaps with other existing methods of reusing slides. The company suggests alternative approaches, such as opening two presentations side by side in split-screen mode and dragging slides from the source to the destination file. Another option is to use the “New Window” feature under the “View” tab, which creates a duplicate of the current presentation—users can then save it as a new file and make edits as needed. Source

    Rumors worth a glance

    • Multiple sources have leaked details about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series. According to Smartprix, which extracted information from firmware code, the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will feature new image sensors for both the main and telephoto cameras. The main camera is said to use the ISOCELL S5KGNG sensor with a 50 MP resolution, while the 3x telephoto lens will adopt the ISOCELL S5K3LD sensor with a 12 MP resolution. The ultra-wide camera reportedly continues to use the 12 MP Sony IMX564 sensor. Firmware code also indicates that the S26 will support Samsung’s APV professional video encoding. Battery capacity is listed as 4300mAh for the S26 and 4900mAh for the S26+. However, well-known leaker Ice Universe posted on Weibo that the actual effective resolution of the 3x telephoto camera remains 10 MP, and that the S26 Ultra will also use this sensor. He also noted that the front camera punch hole on the S26 Ultra will be significantly larger than on the S25 Ultra, with a 4mm diameter, reportedly due to a wider equivalent focal length of 23mm. Additionally, leaker OnLeaks has released render images of the Galaxy S26+. Sources1 Sources2 Sources3 Sources4
    • According to Mark Gurman, Apple is developing M6 Pro and M6 Max MacBook Pro models featuring narrower bezels, touchscreen functionality, and OLED displays. He believes these models will launch between late 2026 and early 2027. Source
    • According to The Information, Apple will delay the release of the next-generation iPhone Air due to weak market performance. Source
    • Firefox version 145 will drop support for 32-bit Linux systems. Source
  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Musk’s $1 Trillion Compensation Plan Approved

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Musk’s $1 Trillion Compensation Plan Approved

    Morning Highlights

    • Musk’s $1 trillion compensation plan approved
    • Multiple departments Issue notice on scientifically protecting children’s hyperopia reserve
    • FBI investigates the identity of archive.today’s operator
    • Meta earns 10% of its revenue from scam ads
    • National health commission issues “negative behavior list” for medical professionals’ online health education
    • E-commerce sellers use giant tags to prevent “wear-and-return” fraud
    • Casual rumors worth a glance

    Musk’s $1 Trillion Compensation Plan Approved

    On November 6, at Tesla’s annual shareholders meeting, 75% of shareholders voted in favor of approving CEO Elon Musk’s compensation package valued at up to $1 trillion. If Musk achieves all the performance targets tied to the plan, his stake in Tesla will increase by 12%, giving him control of roughly one-quarter of the company’s shares.

    This compensation plan is linked to Musk’s performance goals for the next decade, during which he will receive no salary or bonuses. To unlock all stock awards, Musk must raise Tesla’s market value sixfold to $8.5 trillion, increase profits by 24 times to $400 billion, and successfully scale up production of robots and autonomous driving subscription services.

    The vote was highly controversial. Several shareholder advisory firms had previously recommended voting against the proposal. In response, Tesla’s board launched an active lobbying effort, warning investors that Musk might resign if the plan was rejected. After the result was announced, Musk took the stage to celebrate—dancing alongside the humanoid robot “Optimus.” He reiterated that AI and robotics would significantly boost the global economy, claiming that robots would “eliminate poverty” and describing the Optimus project as a “money printer with no limit.” He also urged shareholders to continue holding Tesla stock.

    It is worth noting that Musk did not directly request $1 trillion worth of stock. Instead, he sought 25% of Tesla’s voting rights to maintain his motivation and engagement. However, as Tesla is a publicly traded company, listing rules prevent it from violating the “one share, one vote” principle by granting Musk extra voting power without equivalent economic ownership. Many tech companies have adopted dual-class share structures to consolidate founders’ control, but such frameworks are typically established before going public—something Tesla can no longer emulate. Tesla formed a special committee to design the compensation plan. After careful evaluation, the committee concluded that there was no viable way to grant Musk the level of control he desired without paying an enormous financial cost.

    Multiple Departments Issue Notice on Scientifically Protecting Children’s Hyperopia Reserve

    Recently, China’s Ministry of Education, the National Health Commission, and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration jointly issued a notice calling for the scientific protection of children’s hyperopia reserve.

    According to the notice, newborns typically have smaller eyeballs and shorter axial lengths, resulting in a physiological hyperopia (farsightedness) of about +2.50 to +3.00 diopters—known as the hyperopia reserve. As children grow and develop, this reserve is gradually consumed, and by around ages 12 to 15, their eyes usually reach an emmetropic (normal vision) state. If a child’s hyperopia reserve falls below the physiological range appropriate for their age, it indicates insufficient hyperopia reserve—an early warning sign for potential myopia.

    The notice calls for comprehensive, age-specific measures. For children aged 0–3, the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers should be strictly prohibited. Preschoolers aged 3–6 should avoid exposure to electronic products, and kindergartens must not implement “early primary education” programs. At the primary school level, students should have at least two hours of outdoor activity daily to prevent excessive eye strain. Local health authorities are instructed to guide medical institutions in strengthening public education, promoting appropriate technologies, and providing targeted interventions for children with insufficient hyperopia reserves.

    In terms of monitoring and early warning, the notice requires enhanced eye health screenings for children. Refractive screening should be conducted at key ages (e.g., 2, 3, 4 years old) for children aged 0–6 to track hyperopia reserve levels. Primary schools must perform vision screenings twice per semester. For children found to have visual abnormalities or insufficient hyperopia reserves, schools and related institutions must provide early warnings, implement focused interventions, and establish referral mechanisms to guide parents in adopting effective prevention and control measures.

    The notice also emphasizes home–school cooperation. Parents are urged to set an example by controlling children’s screen time and ensuring they maintain proper posture while reading and writing.

    FBI Investigates the Identity of Archive.today’s Operator

    According to a report by 404 Media, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is attempting to uncover the true identity of the operator behind the well-known web archiving site archive.today and its mirror sites. Based on documents published by the site’s official X (Twitter) account, the FBI issued a subpoena on October 30 to the site’s Canadian domain registrar, Tucows, requesting information related to its operator.

    The subpoena stated that the request was part of a federal criminal investigation, though it did not specify the alleged offense. The FBI demanded that Tucows provide detailed information about the site’s operator, including the customer’s name, service and billing addresses, payment methods (such as credit card or bank account numbers), IP addresses, internet session logs, and device identifiers (such as IMEI numbers). The subpoena also ordered Tucows not to disclose its existence in order to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation. A Tucows spokesperson confirmed that the company would comply with lawful procedures but declined to comment further on the specific investigation.

    Archive.today, founded in 2012, has saved hundreds of millions of web pages and is widely used to preserve content behind paywalls or pages at risk of being deleted or modified. The site gained prominence during the GamerGate controversy over a decade ago, when users employed it to access and share articles without generating traffic for media outlets targeted by the movement’s boycott. The platform operates in a legal gray area. It uses a modified version of Chrome to capture web pages, automatically bypassing many paywalls on news sites. It employs a large pool of rotating IP addresses, ignores robots.txt restrictions, and refuses deletion requests from original content owners.

    Archive.today also functions as a typical “hydra site,” maintaining multiple mirror domains under different top-level domains to evade blocking and censorship.The identity of its operator has long been shrouded in mystery. Many speculate that the site may be run by a highly skilled Russian individual, as its operator once complained in 2022 about a PayPal account closure and mentioned difficulties in receiving payments “through the Iron Curtain.”

    Meta Derives 10% of Its Revenue from Scam Ads

    According to a Reuters report citing internal Meta documents, the company internally projected late last year that about 10.1% of its total 2024 revenue—approximately $16 billion—would come from scam and prohibited-product advertisements. Across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta was said to display roughly 15 billion “high-risk” scam ads to users each day.

    The documents reveal that Meta only bans advertisers when its automated systems are at least 95% certain they are engaging in fraudulent activity. If the system’s confidence is lower—but still suspects potential scams—Meta does not block those advertisers; instead, it charges them higher advertising rates. Due to Meta’s personalized recommendation system, users who click on one scam ad are likely to be shown even more scam ads. An internal review admitted that “it is easier to run scam ads on Meta than on Google.”

    Meta is aware that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating its role in hosting financial scam ads and reportedly views a fine as “inevitable.” The company estimated that penalties could reach up to $1 billion. However, Meta internally believes that since it earns $3.5 billion every six months from these “high legal-risk” ads, such profits would “almost certainly” offset the cost of any regulatory settlements. The documents also show that Meta’s leadership decided to take action only when facing imminent regulatory pressure.

    In response to Reuters’ report, a Meta spokesperson described the 10.1% figure as a “rough and overly broad estimate,” claiming that the actual number was later determined to be lower, but declined to provide updated data.

    National Health Commission Issues “Negative Behavior List” for Medical Professionals’ Online Health Education

    On November 7, the General Office of the National Health Commission, together with the Comprehensive Department of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Comprehensive Department of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, issued the Negative Behavior List for Medical Professionals’ Online Health Education (Trial). According to the notice, the move aims to address issues where some medical professionals engage in product promotion, advertising, or unauthorized disclosure of medical information under the guise of health education, damaging the image of the healthcare profession.

    The list sets out ten “red lines,” focusing on the following key points: medical professionals must not use health education as a pretext to market or sell pharmaceuticals, health supplements, or wellness courses for profit; must not disclose patients’ personal information or display identifiable images; must not release false or unverified information, exaggerate illnesses or treatment outcomes, or promote so-called “miracle doctors” or “miracle cures.” The list also prohibits misuse of AI, as well as the publication of vulgar, suggestive, or sensational content aimed at generating traffic.

    The notice also clarifies the management responsibilities of medical institutions, requiring the establishment of a registration system for health-related online accounts run by medical staff. Medical professionals—including interns and trainees—who operate accounts in an official capacity must report them to their affiliated institutions. Institutions are instructed to maintain records, conduct dynamic supervision, and regularly review posted content.

    For any negative behavior discovered, disciplinary action should be taken according to the severity of the violation, and in serious cases, the institution may order the suspension of the account’s operations.

    E-Commerce Merchants Use Giant Tags to Prevent “Wear-and-Return” Abuse

    According to a report from Sixth Tone, during the 2025 Double 11 shopping festival, many Chinese e-commerce retailers began attaching A4-sized giant tags to clothing items in an effort to reduce the industry’s high return rates—particularly targeting malicious “wear-and-return” behavior.

    These oversized tags are typically made of stiff cardboard, with exaggerated dimensions and bright colors. They are often printed with prominent messages such as “No Returns or Exchanges After Removal.” The design ensures that the tag is too large to conceal or tuck away while wearing, effectively discouraging customers from wearing the clothes for photos or outings before returning them. A hangtag manufacturer in Sichuan told local media that the giant tags first appeared in March this year and became widely adopted by clothing companies ahead of Double 11. Some models have already sold out. Last week, the hashtag “Giant Tags to Prevent Returns” trended on Weibo.

    Industry estimates suggest that return rates in China’s online apparel sector remain among the highest in e-commerce, with women’s clothing return rates reaching as high as 60% to 80%. In recent years, retailers have voiced growing frustration over shrinking profit margins, noting that they must not only cover return shipping but also bear the costs of logistics, cleaning, and restocking. Merchants have also complained about customers who exploit the system by purchasing clothes for short-term use and returning them immediately afterward. Such returned items often come back with sweat stains, makeup residue, or odors, rendering them unsellable.

    Casual Rumors Worth a Glance

    • According to CNBC, citing insiders, Moonshot AI’s newly released Kimi K2 Thinking model, unveiled on November 6, cost $4.6 million to train. The company claims that the model surpasses GPT-5 and Sonnet 4.5 Thinking in certain benchmark tests. For comparison, DeepSeek V3 officially reported a training cost of $5.6 million, while GPT’s training costs are estimated to be in the billion-dollar range.
    • According to Wired, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has allegedly been operating an unlicensed private school on the grounds of his Palo Alto estate for several years. The school reportedly began operating around 2021, officially registering for 14 students, but neighbors observed more than 30 students attending regularly. Neighbors have repeatedly filed complaints with local authorities over noise, traffic congestion, and intrusive security patrols. Eventually, the city ordered the school to shut down. A spokesperson for the Zuckerberg family stated that the school had not closed but rather relocated to a new site, without disclosing its location.
    • According to China Tax News, on November 7, 22 leading organizations in the micro-drama industry, including iQIYI, Kuaishou, and Douyin, jointly signed the “Micro-Drama Industry Lawful Tax Compliance Initiative” in Beijing. The document urges practitioners to abide by tax laws and fair competition principles, starting with every business transaction. It explicitly prohibits actors and creators from shifting tax obligations through “after-tax pay” or “after-tax revenue share” schemes, requires companies to fulfill withholding responsibilities, and denounces illegal practices such as “dual contracts” and private account payments.
    • According to a post by Weibo tech blogger @Digital Chat Station, as of November 2, Apple’s iPhone 17 series had reached over 8.25 million activations in China. Of these, approximately 3.957 million were iPhone 17 Pro Max, 2.462 million were iPhone 17 Pro, 1.728 million were iPhone 17, and 107,000 were iPhone Air. Based on the current pace, total activations are expected to exceed 10 million by the week of November 16.
    • According to Mark Gurman —
    • Apple is reportedly planning a major expansion of its satellite capabilities, which will include an API for third-party apps, satellite-based navigation in Apple Maps, photo messaging via satellite, and maintaining connectivity even without a direct line of sight to the sky. These upgrades are made possible by infrastructure improvements from Apple’s satellite partner, Globalstar.
    • Apple is also said to be finalizing a $1 billion-per-year agreement to license a custom 1.2-trillion-parameter Gemini model to power its enhanced Siri assistant. Internally, this model is referred to as AFM v10, a codename designed to obscure its connection to Google. However, Apple’s long-term goal remains to transition to its own in-house AI models.
    • In addition, Apple is reportedly developing a low-cost MacBook, codenamed J700, set for release in 2026. The device is aimed squarely at Chromebooks and budget Windows PCs, with a particular focus on the education market.
    • Apple is also preparing to introduce a new Health+ subscription service within the Health app as part of iOS 26.4. Health+ will use an AI assistant to help users manage their personal health. Meanwhile, due to high churn rates and limited revenue from Fitness+, Apple is reassessing the service’s future and has begun reshuffling its management team. However, because Fitness+ maintains a dedicated core user base and has low operational costs, Apple is unlikely to shut it down entirely to avoid negative publicity.