Chinese Gaming Giants Look Abroad as Domestic Market Stalls
Facing regulatory headwinds and a sluggish home market, Chinese video game firms are ramping up efforts to grow overseas. Companies like Tencent and NetEase are doubling down on global expansion to offset slower growth in China, where new game approvals remain tightly controlled. With established IP, mobile dominance, and rising investment in international studios, these firms are betting big on foreign markets for future revenue.
Alibaba’s Quark AI App Launches “Deep Search” to Compete with Baidu
Alibaba’s Quark, now China’s most popular AI app, has launched a powerful new “Deep Search” feature aimed at challenging Baidu’s dominance in online search. The tool promises more context-aware, conversational results—tapping large language models to understand complex queries beyond basic keywords. Quark’s rise reflects China’s growing appetite for AI-native tools, with users increasingly favoring apps that combine search, productivity, and AI chat in one platform.
BMW, Toyota, Mercedes Recall Nearly 70,000 Cars in China Over Safety Issues
BMW, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz are recalling close to 70,000 vehicles in China due to various safety concerns, according to China’s market regulator. The recalls span a range of issues—from software glitches to brake and airbag system faults—and affect several high-profile models. This wave of recalls underscores the intense scrutiny global automakers face in China, the world’s largest car market. The recalls serve as a stark reminder that even legacy brands must stay vigilant on safety in this high-stakes market.
Nvidia Tweaks H20 AI Chip for China to Navigate U.S. Export Rules
Nvidia has quietly modified its H20 AI chip to comply with U.S. export restrictions while still serving the Chinese market, sources told Reuters. The redesigned chip reportedly reduces interconnect speeds to meet regulatory thresholds, allowing Nvidia to continue limited sales without violating trade rules. This workaround reflects the delicate balancing act tech giants face as geopolitical tensions reshape global chip flows. For Nvidia, it’s a strategic effort to retain market share in China—the world’s biggest AI battleground—while staying within Washington’s tightening guardrails.
Uber Eats Enters Turkey with $700M Acquisition of Trendyol Go
Uber Eats is officially entering the Turkish market by acquiring food delivery service Trendyol Go for $700 million. The move gives Uber instant access to Turkey’s rapidly growing online food sector and plugs the company into Trendyol’s massive logistics network. As part of the deal, Trendyol’s brand will remain active locally while Uber Eats layers in its global platform and AI-driven delivery tools.
Skype Signs Off After 23 Years as Microsoft Closes the App for Good
After more than two decades of video calls, chats, and digital nostalgia, Skype is officially shutting down. Microsoft has sunset the iconic app, redirecting users to Microsoft Teams and newer AI-powered tools. Once a pioneer in online communication—especially during the early 2000s and pandemic years—Skype gradually lost ground to Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams.
Figma Unveils Premium AI Tools for Designers with “Make” and “Vibe”
Figma is stepping deeper into the AI era with the launch of “Figma Make” and “Vibe,” two new premium tools aimed at transforming how designers and developers work. “Make” offers drag-and-drop software creation, while “Vibe” uses generative AI to instantly mock up design concepts based on text prompts. The move positions Figma as a serious player in the race to bring no-code and AI-driven design mainstream. As creative workflows get faster and more intuitive, these tools could redefine what it means to build software—no deep coding required.
