Xiaomi Targets Apple With Bold Claims on New Flagship 17 Series
Xiaomi has launched its new 17 series smartphones in Beijing, with CEO Lei Jun declaring the devices “surpass the iPhone 17 in many areas.” The confident pitch underscores Xiaomi’s ambition to strengthen its lead over Apple in China, the world’s largest smartphone market. Apple recently saw record pre-orders for its iPhone 17, despite weak consumer sentiment and intensifying competition from domestic rivals like Huawei. Xiaomi and other Chinese brands are expanding rapidly in the 4,000–6,000 yuan ($561–$841) price range while pushing deeper into premium tiers.
China Launches Humanoid Robot “Boot Camps” to Accelerate AI-Driven Automation
China is building large-scale training bases for humanoid robots to close the gap with U.S. rivals like Tesla’s Optimus. The biggest facility, in Beijing’s Shijingshan district, spans 10,000 m² and is expected to generate 6M data points annually across 16 simulated scenarios, from manufacturing to elderly care. The initiative aims to solve data shortages by standardizing training, lowering costs, and speeding commercialization. With “embodied intelligence” now a strategic priority, China plans to raise AI-powered device adoption above 90% by 2030. The robotics market is forecast to more than double to $108B by 2028 in China.
China’s Moore Threads Secures $1.1B IPO Approval Amid GPU Rivalry
Chinese GPU startup Moore Threads has won approval to list on Shanghai’s Star Market, aiming to raise 8B yuan ($1.1B) just 88 days after filing. Founded in 2020 by former Nvidia China head Zhang Jianzong, the company has quickly emerged as a potential challenger to Nvidia and AMD, despite being added to a U.S. trade blacklist in 2023. Proceeds will fund R&D for next-generation AI chips targeting training and inference.
Trump Signs Order to Restructure TikTok U.S., Valued at $14B
President Trump signed an executive order to restructure TikTok’s U.S. operations, creating a $14B joint venture with investors including Oracle and Silver Lake. The plan aims to satisfy a 2024 law requiring ByteDance to divest U.S. assets or face a ban. While Trump said the algorithm will be retrained and monitored by U.S. partners, questions remain over ByteDance’s ongoing role. Reports from Chinese media suggest ByteDance will still influence branding and operations, though stakes are capped below 20%.
AI Startup Friend Bets $1M on Subway Ads — But Faces Backlash
AI wearable startup Friend launched what its CEO Avi Schiffman calls “the world’s first major AI campaign,” spending over $1 million on 11,000 subway car ads, 1,000 platform posters, and 130 panels across New York City. The $129 device has sparked debate: while some see innovation, critics have slammed it for surveillance concerns, and vandals have scrawled “get real friends” on posters. Schiffman admits the campaign is a risky gamble, especially in a city where skepticism toward AI runs high, but he hopes the bold move will provoke conversation as much as it drives adoption.
OpenAI Expands $500B “Stargate” Into Mega AI Infrastructure Push
OpenAI’s $500B “Stargate” project has evolved into a sweeping AI infrastructure initiative spanning nearly every aspect of its chip and data center strategy. Backed by Oracle, SoftBank, and a new $100B partnership with Nvidia, Stargate now includes five new U.S. data centers and self-built facilities, targeting nearly 7 gigawatts of compute. CEO Sam Altman envisions adding a gigawatt of capacity weekly to meet soaring demand. While investors worry about an AI bubble, Nvidia’s equity stake and creative financing—including leasing chips—bolster confidence.
Microsoft Halts Israeli Military’s Use of Azure After Surveillance Probe
Microsoft has disabled certain Azure and AI services used by Israel’s Ministry of Defense after a Guardian investigation alleged mass surveillance of Palestinian phone calls in Gaza and the West Bank. President Brad Smith said preliminary evidence supported the reporting, prompting the company to end specific subscriptions while maintaining cybersecurity services for Israel and other Middle Eastern nations.
