Cambricon, “China’s Little Nvidia,” Sees Record Growth Amid AI Chip Boom
Cambricon Technologies, dubbed “little Nvidia,” reported a record-breaking first half with revenue surging 4,348% year-on-year to 2.88 billion yuan ($405M) and profit swinging to 1.04 billion yuan. The Chinese AI chipmaker, which has seen its stock jump 544% over 12 months, credits soaring demand for AI processors across telecom, finance, and internet sectors. Investors bet the firm could help replace Nvidia in Chinese data centers.
Xiaomi Recalls 117,000 EVs Over Driver-Assistance Flaws After Fatal Crash
Xiaomi is recalling 116,877 of its SU7 electric sedans after regulators flagged flaws in the vehicles’ driver-assistance system, following a fatal accident earlier this year. Produced between February 2024 and August 2025, the recalled cars will receive an over-the-air software update to improve recognition and warning capabilities required under Level 2 self-driving standards. While the recall affects more than a third of Xiaomi’s EV fleet, market reaction was muted, with shares closing down just 0.3% in Hong Kong.
Alibaba Bets on Robotaxis With Strategic Investment in Hello
Alibaba has entered the robotaxi race with a strategic investment in Hello, a ride-hailing firm backed by Ant Group. The deal will see both companies collaborate on algorithm platforms, smart-driving large language models, and “intelligent” cockpits, leveraging Alibaba Cloud for R&D and efficiency gains. Hello recently launched its first robotaxi model, intensifying competition with domestic rivals like Baidu’s Apollo Go, Pony.ai, and WeRide, while Tesla and Waymo expand in the U.S.
Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Alarm Across Tech Industry
The Trump administration plans to charge companies $100,000 annually for each H-1B visa, igniting concerns across the U.S. tech sector. Firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and JPMorgan have advised foreign employees to remain stateside as the rule takes effect. Supporters say the policy protects U.S. jobs, while critics warn it could deter global talent, inflate costs, and push innovation offshore. India, which accounts for 71% of H-1B approvals, faces the biggest impact.
Study Shows ChatGPT Shifting From Work Tool to Everyday Companion
A first-of-its-kind study by OpenAI and Harvard economist David Deming finds ChatGPT use is increasingly personal rather than work-related. Non-work messages rose to 73% in June 2025, up from 53% a year earlier, reflecting a shift toward everyday problem-solving, tutoring, and creative ideation. While workplace use leans heavily on writing support—often editing or translating existing text—consumers primarily seek practical guidance and information. The study, based on 1.5 million conversations, also highlights rapid global adoption: 10% of the world’s adults now use ChatGPT, with especially strong growth in low- and middle-income countries.
Nvidia Invests $5B in Intel, Forging AI Alliance Amid Industry Shakeup
Nvidia will invest $5 billion in Intel, taking a 4% stake and partnering to develop next-generation PC and data center chips. The deal follows Intel’s unusual arrangement granting the U.S. government a 10% stake and signals a lifeline for the struggling chipmaker. While Nvidia won’t use Intel’s foundry for GPUs, Intel will supply CPUs and advanced packaging for joint products, giving it a foothold in AI infrastructure. Analysts call the pact a “game-changer” that could challenge AMD and pose long-term risks to TSMC, which currently produces Nvidia’s flagship processors.
Panasonic Targets Breakthrough in EV Batteries With Anode-Free Design
Panasonic is developing an anode-free battery that could boost electric vehicle range by 25% within two years, with commercialization targeted by the end of 2027. By forming a lithium metal anode only after first charge, the design frees space for more active cathode materials, potentially extending Tesla’s Model Y range by 145 km or reducing battery size and cost. Panasonic aims to cut reliance on costly nickel while delivering world-leading performance, a timely move as Tesla’s U.S. market share faces mounting pressure from newer EV entrants.
