Morning Brief

1. Apple launches Apple Creator Studio
2. Insta360 releases the Link 2 Pro series webcams
3. Tesla launches the 2026 7-seat Model Y in the U.S.
4. Adobe Firefly rolls out the GPT-Image 1.5 model
5. Nintendo denies using AI in its advertisements
6. Rumors You Can Just Glance At

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Apple launches Apple Creator Studio

On January 13, Apple announced that it will roll out a creative software subscription bundle called Apple Creator Studio on January 28. The bundle brings together Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro for Mac and iPad; Motion, Compressor, and MainStage for Mac; as well as advanced features across the iWork suite (Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Freeform). It is designed to provide professional-grade software support and AI assistance for video editing, music production, graphic design, and productivity workflows. After the subscription launches, Mac users will still be able to purchase standalone apps such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro outright from the App Store with a one-time payment.

Apple Creator Studio is priced at RMB 38 per month or RMB 380 per year, with a one-month free trial. An education discount is available for college students, priced at RMB 18 per month or RMB 180 per year. Source

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Insta360 releases the Link 2 Pro series webcams

On January 13, Insta360 announced the Link 2 Pro series webcams, including the Link 2 Pro and Link 2C Pro. Both models feature a 1/1.3-inch large sensor, support 4K ultra-high-definition resolution and dual native ISO technology, and are equipped with directional microphones for clear audio capture in open offices or noisy outdoor environments. They also support the Link Controller, enabling one-click activation of an AI-powered natural depth-of-field effect. The Link 2 Pro further adds AI tracking, a two-axis gimbal, and automatic framing.

The Insta360 Link 2 Pro series can integrate with Wave to deliver an all-in-one audio and video solution, automatically identifying and switching between speakers in multi-person meeting scenarios. In terms of pricing, the standard Insta360 Link 2 Pro is priced at RMB 1,758, while the standard Insta360 Link 2C Pro is priced at RMB 1,398. Source

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Tesla launches the 2026 7-seat Model Y in the U.S.

On January 13, Tesla introduced the 2026 Model Y to the U.S. market. The high-end Premium all-wheel-drive version can be configured with a 7-seat layout, while the other variants remain 5-seaters.

The interior space of the 2026 Model Y is unchanged from the previous version, but a child seat has been added in the trunk area as part of the 7-seat option, priced at USD 2,500. The vehicle starts at USD 51,490. In addition, the Premium trim now includes the previously top-tier features of a high-resolution 16-inch infotainment display and a black headliner as standard, at no extra cost. Buyers of the Premium version can also opt for 20-inch graphite-colored Helix wheels for an additional USD 2,000. Source

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Adobe Firefly rolls out the GPT-Image 1.5 model

On January 13, Adobe announced that OpenAI’s GPT-Image 1.5 model has been added to its Firefly AI creation platform. Firefly Pro and Premium subscribers can use this model to generate images with no usage limits until January 15. At present, the Adobe Firefly platform has integrated image, audio, and video models from Adobe itself as well as from major providers including OpenAI, Runway, Black Forest Labs, Pika, Ideogram, and Google.

The platform operates on a “generative credits” subscription system. The Standard plan costs USD 9.99 per month and includes 2,000 generation credits; the Pro plan costs USD 19.99 per month and provides 4,000 credits; and the Premium plan costs USD 199.99 per month, offering up to 50,000 credits. Source

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Nintendo denies using AI in its advertisements

Following earlier claims that AI generation tools were used in its new My Mario children’s toy advertisement, Nintendo has recently denied the allegations, stating that no AI was involved in the production or filming of the ad.

The controversy mainly centered on the model’s thumb shown in the image. However, the model involved told IGN in an interview that they did participate in the audition and selection process and were actually filmed for the commercial. Some netizens later added that the part in question in the image was also a normal appearance of a double-jointed thumb. Source

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Rumors You Can Just Glance At

• According to a report by Reuters citing Nikkei Asia, Google plans to move the R&D and manufacturing of all Pixel models except the A series out of China. Source
• A recent market research report released by Counterpoint shows that Apple has taken the top spot with a 20% share of the global smartphone market, followed by Samsung and Xiaomi. Source
• According to an exclusive report by Tech Planet, Pinduoduo is currently testing a new business section called “100-Billion Supermarket,” which covers multiple categories including fruits and vegetables, nuts and snacks, and dairy and beverage products. Notably, users can start claiming various instant-discount or coupon vouchers every Monday at midnight to purchase discounted items. Source
• Leaks also suggest that Honor will soon collaborate with the POP MART IP and plans to launch a POP MART co-branded Honor 500 smartphone next week. Source