分类: technology

  • Chinese innovators gain global spotlight at CES 2026

    Chinese innovators gain global spotlight at CES 2026

    LAS VEGAS – Chinese technology enterprises emerged as dominant innovators at CES 2026, demonstrating sophisticated global expansion strategies that extend beyond conventional manufacturing paradigms. The annual consumer electronics showcase revealed how small and medium-sized businesses from China are leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart device ecosystems to establish substantive international footprints.

    Aiper Intelligent, established in Shenzhen in 2017, showcased its autonomous pool cleaning systems featuring AI-driven control mechanisms and self-maintenance capabilities. Business manager Deng Jingyi emphasized the company’s trans-Pacific operational model, maintaining manufacturing in China while establishing comprehensive import, distribution, and marketing infrastructure in the United States. “We’re pursuing strategic retail partnerships and ecosystem development, potentially including Walmart,” Deng noted during the CES Unveiled preview event.

    The exhibition highlighted multiple approaches to international market penetration. Olight USA, originating from Shenzhen in 2007, has cultivated substantial brand loyalty through localized community engagement and social media presence, managing influencer networks exceeding 250,000 members while maintaining technological development in China.

    Addressing critical data security concerns, earbuds manufacturer Viaim implemented sophisticated compliance frameworks through partnerships with Microsoft’s AI platforms and Amazon Web Services for data storage. Vice-president Aaron Wang emphasized: “US consumers exhibit heightened sensitivity regarding privacy protocols. Our collaboration with American technology providers ensures user data remains within domestic infrastructure while manufacturing occurs in China.”

    Robotics innovation featured prominently with Hangzhou-based Ascentiz introducing modular exoskeleton systems utilizing pattern recognition AI to provide motorized mobility assistance. The company secured $2.5 million through crowdfunding and established comprehensive US distribution networks with service centers and warehousing facilities.

    Timekettle’s AI translation devices, operating from Plano, Texas with Shenzhen headquarters, targeted B2B and governmental clients, demonstrating how Chinese companies are adapting technology for specific market segments through hands-on experiential marketing.

    CES 2026’s overarching themes of AI integration, health technology longevity, and smart infrastructure convergence revealed Chinese innovators transitioning from scale-oriented production to solving specialized real-world problems through technological sophistication and strategic international partnerships.

  • Nvidia unveils ‘reasoning’ AI technology for self-driving cars

    Nvidia unveils ‘reasoning’ AI technology for self-driving cars

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence platform named Alpamayo during his keynote address at the CES technology conference in Las Vegas on Monday. The revolutionary system represents a significant advancement in autonomous vehicle technology by enabling self-driving cars to engage in human-like reasoning processes when navigating complex scenarios.

    The platform’s sophisticated architecture allows vehicles to analyze rare driving situations, operate safely in challenging environments, and provide detailed explanations for their driving decisions. Huang, wearing his characteristic black leather jacket, demonstrated the technology’s capabilities to hundreds of conference attendees through a video showing an AI-powered Mercedes-Benz CLA navigating San Francisco streets with a passenger whose hands remained in their lap throughout the journey.

    In a major industry development, Nvidia announced it has commenced production of its first driverless vehicle in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The collaborative effort will initially launch the autonomous CLA model in United States markets within coming months, followed by sequential releases across European and Asian markets. Huang emphasized that this project has provided Nvidia with invaluable insights into developing robotic systems for automotive partners.

    Industry analysts immediately recognized the strategic significance of the announcement. Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight noted from Las Vegas that “NVIDIA’s pivot toward AI at scale and AI systems as differentiators will help keep it way ahead of rivals.” This sentiment was reflected in market response as Nvidia shares experienced a slight increase during after-hours trading following the presentation.

    In a move that could disrupt the autonomous vehicle sector, Huang revealed that Alpamayo will be available as an open-source AI model with underlying code accessible through machine learning platform Hugging Face. This approach allows autonomous vehicle researchers worldwide to freely access, modify, and retrain the model, potentially accelerating industry-wide development.

    The announcement drew a pointed response from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose company develops the Autopilot driver assistance system. Musk commented on social media that “Well that’s just exactly what Tesla is doing,” while cautioning about the challenges in achieving full autonomy beyond 99% capability.

    Nvidia, currently the world’s most valuable publicly traded company with a market capitalization exceeding $4.5 trillion, also provided updates on its Rubin AI chips currently in manufacturing. The new hardware promises enhanced computational efficiency with reduced energy consumption compared to current AI chips, potentially lowering development costs for AI technologies across multiple industries.

  • Hyundai says it will deploy humanoid robots at US factory

    Hyundai says it will deploy humanoid robots at US factory

    In a significant advancement for industrial automation, Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to deploy humanoid robots at its manufacturing facility in Georgia, United States. The revelation came during Monday’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the South Korean conglomerate showcased Atlas—a bipedal robot engineered by Boston Dynamics, in which Hyundai holds a controlling interest.

    This strategic move positions Hyundai alongside industry pioneers including Amazon, Tesla, and Chinese automotive titan BYD, all actively integrating humanoid robotics into their manufacturing ecosystems. The Atlas robots are scheduled to commence operations in 2028, with a phased implementation approach designed to gradually expand their operational capabilities within the production environment.

    Engineered for versatile industrial applications, Atlas represents the next generation of collaborative robots designed to operate synergistically with human workers while autonomously managing machinery. Hyundai emphasizes that these robotic systems will mitigate physical strain on employees, undertake high-risk tasks, and accelerate the broader adoption of advanced automation technologies.

    Hyundai’s announcement carries particular significance given the Georgia plant’s history. In September 2025, the facility became the center of a substantial immigration enforcement operation resulting in hundreds of detainments, including approximately 300 South Korean nationals. The incident provoked diplomatic tensions and raised concerns about foreign investment climate in the United States.

    The robotics initiative aligns with Hyundai’s substantial $20 billion investment strategy in the U.S. market, announced in 2025, which supports domestic manufacturing expansion while advancing autonomous driving and artificial intelligence capabilities. Company executives, including Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang, have acknowledged workforce automation concerns while emphasizing the continued need for human expertise in robot training and supervision.

    While Hyundai has not disclosed specific financial details or initial deployment quantities, this development marks a pivotal moment in industrial robotics, potentially establishing new benchmarks for manufacturing efficiency and human-robot collaboration in post-pandemic industrial landscapes.

  • ‘Remove her clothes’: Global backlash over Grok sexualized images

    ‘Remove her clothes’: Global backlash over Grok sexualized images

    Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence platform Grok, developed by xAI, has ignited international condemnation following revelations that its image editing capabilities are being weaponized to create non-consensual sexualized imagery. The controversy emerged after Grok introduced an ‘edit image’ feature that users exploited with prompts such as ‘remove her clothes’ and ‘put her in a bikini,’ resulting in widespread generation of AI-generated deepfakes targeting women and minors.

    The European Union has launched a serious investigation into the platform’s violations, with digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier declaring the sexually explicit content generated using childlike imagery ‘not spicy, but illegal and appalling.’ This sentiment was echoed by UK media regulator Ofcom, which has initiated urgent contact with both X and xAI to assess compliance with user protection laws.

    Across Asia, multiple nations have taken decisive action. Indian authorities issued a 72-hour ultimatum for content removal, while Malaysian communications officials expressed ‘serious concern’ over ‘indecent, grossly offensive’ material circulating on the platform. The Paris public prosecutor’s office has expanded an existing investigation into X to include allegations of child pornography generation through Grok.

    The platform responded to mounting pressure with a statement acknowledging ‘lapses in safeguards’ and promising urgent fixes, while maintaining a prohibition on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). However, this assurance came alongside an automated response to media inquiries that simply stated: ‘Legacy Media Lies.’

    This incident represents the latest in a series of controversies for Grok, which has previously faced criticism for disseminating misinformation regarding international conflicts and tragic events. The current scandal highlights growing concerns about the proliferation of AI ‘nudify’ tools and their potential for enabling new forms of digital gender-based violence.

  • Micro RGB TVs, Ultra-thin OLEDs, and next-gen gaming screens: Gadgets to watch out for at CES 2026

    Micro RGB TVs, Ultra-thin OLEDs, and next-gen gaming screens: Gadgets to watch out for at CES 2026

    The Consumer Electronics Show 2026 has commenced in Las Vegas, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in display technology and health monitoring devices. Leading electronics manufacturers are demonstrating remarkable innovations that signal significant shifts in home entertainment and personal wellness.

    Samsung Electronics has dramatically expanded its Micro RGB television lineup, introducing models ranging from 55 to 115 inches. This display technology utilizes microscopic red, green, and blue LEDs rather than conventional white backlights, enabling exceptional color precision through smaller dimming zones. The flagship Micro RGB Precision Colour 100 has received VDE certification for complete BT.2020 HDR color space coverage, achieving broadcast-monitor accuracy. Enhanced by the Micro RGB AI Engine Pro for advanced frame processing, glare-free screen technology, and premium Dolby Atmos audio, these televisions represent the pinnacle of home viewing technology.

    LG Electronics has joined the Micro RGB competition, announcing 75-, 86-, and 100-inch models scheduled for release next year. Both companies’ offerings are positioned within the ultra-premium market segment, reflecting the technology’s sophisticated engineering requirements.

    In a surprising development, LG has reintroduced its iconic Wallpaper TV series with the new W6 model, measuring merely 9mm thick. This ultra-thin television utilizes a redesigned mounting system for seamless wall integration and features the Zero Connect Box that eliminates visible cables while supporting placement up to 10 meters from the display. The W6 incorporates Hyper Radiant Color Technology and Brightness Booster Ultra, achieving the lowest reflectance rating in LG’s history with Intertek’s Reflection Free with Premium certification. Gaming capabilities include 165Hz refresh rate support alongside AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.

    Withings has introduced the Body Scan 2 smart scale, priced at $599.95, which represents a substantial advancement in personal health monitoring. The device features twelve electrodes—eight integrated into the scale platform and four within a retractable handle—enabling comprehensive full-body biometric analysis. Its pioneering 90-second longevity assessment evaluates over 60 biomarkers across cardiovascular function, arterial health, metabolic efficiency, glycemic regulation, and cellular integrity. This innovative approach utilizes bioimpedance spectroscopy and sweat analysis rather than traditional blood testing, potentially revolutionizing at-home health tracking.

    Xreal has enhanced accessibility to augmented reality technology with the Xreal One 1S glasses, reducing the price to $449 while improving specifications. The updated model features 1200p displays, expanded 52-degree field of view, 700 nits brightness, and 16:10 aspect ratio. These glasses function as portable cinema displays, projecting virtual screens ranging from 171 to 500 inches when connected to compatible devices via USB-C.

    ASUS Republic of Gamers has advanced gaming display technology with new QD-OLED and Tandem OLED monitors featuring RGB Stripe Pixel OLED technology to minimize color fringing and enhance text clarity. The incorporation of BlackShield film improves perceived black levels while increasing panel durability and scratch resistance, maintaining ASUS’s leadership in premium gaming displays.

    CES 2026 continues through January 9th, with additional technological announcements anticipated throughout the event.

  • Gansu’s Jiuquan power grid reaches milestone in new energy storage capacity

    Gansu’s Jiuquan power grid reaches milestone in new energy storage capacity

    Northwestern China’s Gansu Province has achieved a landmark advancement in renewable energy infrastructure as the Jiuquan power grid surpassed 3 million kilowatts (3 GW) of new energy storage capacity. This represents a remarkable 98% year-on-year increase, signaling accelerated progress in China’s clean energy transition.

    The substantial growth was primarily driven by the recent commissioning of a major standalone energy storage facility developed by Ningsheng New Energy in Jiayuguan. This cutting-edge project, with a capacity of 500 MW/1,000 MWh, commenced operations on December 30, significantly enhancing the region’s grid management capabilities.

    This infrastructure expansion plays a crucial role in stabilizing power supply fluctuations inherent to renewable sources like solar and wind. The enhanced storage capacity enables more efficient integration of intermittent clean energy into the regional grid, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based power generation during peak demand periods.

    The achievement aligns with China’s broader strategic goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Gansu Province, with its abundant solar and wind resources, has emerged as a frontrunner in the nation’s renewable energy development, with the Dunhuang Shouhang Energy-Saving Tower Molten Salt Solar Thermal Power Station representing another flagship project in the region’s clean energy portfolio.

    Industry analysts note that this storage capacity milestone establishes Jiuquan as one of China’s most advanced renewable energy hubs, providing a replicable model for other regions developing large-scale clean energy infrastructure. The project demonstrates practical solutions to renewable energy integration challenges while supporting grid reliability and energy security objectives.

  • Chinese e-platform pushing AI education globally

    Chinese e-platform pushing AI education globally

    China’s national Smart Education platform has achieved unprecedented global reach, establishing itself as the world’s largest repository of high-quality educational resources with cumulative visits surpassing 72.6 billion. According to the Ministry of Education, this digital education initiative now serves over 178 million users across more than 200 countries and regions, averaging approximately 52 million daily engagements.

    The platform’s comprehensive curriculum spans the entire educational spectrum from preschool to postgraduate studies, encompassing moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education. It currently hosts more than 130,000 premium resources for primary and secondary education, alongside 12,500 vocational education courses and approximately 145,000 higher education programs.

    A significant focus has been placed on artificial intelligence education, with the platform offering over 1,000 specialized AI courses across basic, vocational, higher, and lifelong learning categories. The initiative has already provided AI training to approximately 500,000 teachers and students from 2,000 universities, while 1.31 million undergraduate graduates have participated in comprehensive AI application training programs.

    Leading Chinese universities are integrating AI into their core curricula. Fudan University has implemented mandatory AI courses for all undergraduate and postgraduate students, incorporating artificial intelligence into every first-level discipline. Zhejiang University pioneered China’s first interdisciplinary AI program in 2019, developing a comprehensive ‘AI+’ talent cultivation system that includes 11 integrated undergraduate-doctoral programs and 27 specialized ‘AI+X’ textbooks.

    China’s digital education advancement has shown remarkable progress in global rankings. According to the global digital education development index report, China climbed from 24th position in 2023 to 6th in 2025, placing it among world leaders in educational digitalization. This progress aligns with international trends where countries including the United States and European Union members are prioritizing AI education within their national strategies.

    Education experts emphasize that future development requires systematic transformation driven by artificial intelligence, focusing on complete integration throughout educational processes, launching pilot programs, and constructing future-oriented teaching ecosystems. With comprehensive digital empowerment, Chinese education is positioned to become more equitable, higher in quality, and increasingly sustainable on the global stage.

  • EU says ‘seriously looking’ into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    EU says ‘seriously looking’ into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    The European Commission has escalated its examination of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence system, Grok, following serious allegations that the technology is being exploited to create and distribute sexually explicit imagery depicting minors. EU digital affairs spokesman Thomas Regnier characterized the situation as both illegal and appalling, stating unequivocally that such content “has no place in Europe.”

    The controversy emerged shortly after xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, introduced an “edit image” feature for Grok in late December 2023. This functionality appears to have enabled users to generate abusive content that mimics child sexual exploitation material, triggering widespread complaints on Musk’s X social media platform where Grok is integrated.

    In response to mounting regulatory pressure, xAI acknowledged technical vulnerabilities in its AI system earlier this month and committed to addressing these flaws. The situation has attracted parallel judicial attention, with Paris public prosecutors expanding an existing investigation into X to include new allegations regarding Grok’s potential misuse for creating and disseminating child pornography.

    This development represents the latest chapter in the ongoing friction between European regulators and Musk’s digital empire. The EU previously imposed a substantial €120 million ($140 million) penalty against X in December for violations of digital advertising transparency requirements and inadequate user verification protocols under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The platform remains under formal investigation for potential additional DSA infringements that commenced in December 2023.

    Regnier emphasized the Commission’s determined enforcement stance, noting that X has responded to information requests and appears cognizant of the serious consequences of non-compliance. The EU’s digital watchdog has additionally sought clarification from X regarding content related to Holocaust discourse, further illustrating the broadening scope of regulatory oversight.

  • Guangdong’s tech transfer boom

    Guangdong’s tech transfer boom

    Guangdong Province has positioned itself at the forefront of China’s technology transfer landscape, demonstrating remarkable progress in converting research innovations into commercial applications. This southern Chinese economic powerhouse has developed a sophisticated ecosystem connecting academic institutions, research centers, and industrial enterprises, creating a dynamic pipeline for technological commercialization.

    The province’s success stems from strategic government policies that incentivize collaboration between academia and industry. Special economic zones and innovation hubs have implemented streamlined processes for intellectual property rights registration and technology licensing. These initiatives have significantly reduced the traditional barriers between laboratory research and market implementation.

    Numerous technology transfer offices have been established across Guangdong’s universities and research institutes, staffed by professionals specializing in patent law, market analysis, and venture capital acquisition. These offices actively identify promising research with commercial potential and facilitate partnerships with industry players.

    The results have been substantial, with reported technology transfer agreements increasing by approximately 47% year-on-year in 2025. Particularly strong performance has been noted in sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. This growth has attracted significant venture capital investment to the region, with several technology startups achieving unicorn status after successfully commercializing transferred technologies.

    International partnerships have also flourished, with Guangdong institutions establishing technology exchange programs with research organizations in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. These collaborations have created bidirectional technology transfer channels, bringing international innovations to Chinese markets while exporting Guangdong-developed technologies globally.

    The provincial government has announced plans to further expand support for technology transfer initiatives in its 15th Five-Year Plan period, indicating that this trend will continue to accelerate through 2026 and beyond.

  • iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    Apple continues to refine its mobile operating system with the latest iOS 26.2 update, introducing sophisticated customization enhancements specifically targeting the Lock Screen interface. This incremental update builds upon the Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26, offering users unprecedented control over visual aesthetics without fundamentally altering the operating system’s core functionality.

    The most significant improvement arrives in the form of an expanded opacity slider for the Lock Screen clock. Previously, users could apply a translucent, frosted-glass effect to their clock display, but customization options remained relatively constrained. iOS 26.2 dramatically enhances this capability by providing a broader spectrum of transparency adjustments, enabling either near-invisible minimalism or bold, high-contrast readability depending on user preference.

    This enhanced customization works seamlessly across all available clock fonts, allowing consistent transparency adjustments regardless of typographic choice. The functionality enables perfect harmony between clock displays and background wallpapers, whether users prefer intricate photographic backgrounds or clean gradient designs.

    Accessing these new features requires a simple process: users must long-press their Lock Screen, select ‘Customize,’ choose the clock element, ensure the Glass style (rather than Solid) is activated, and then manipulate the enhanced opacity slider to achieve their desired visual effect.

    Despite these advancements, one notable limitation persists from previous versions. The ability to resize the Lock Screen clock remains exclusively available with the default system font. Users who opt for alternative typfaces can adjust transparency but cannot modify clock dimensions, maintaining a consistency in Apple’s design approach while leaving room for future enhancements.

    The iOS 26.2 update represents Apple’s continued commitment to incremental refinement rather than revolutionary change, focusing on quality-of-life improvements that enhance the user experience through subtle but meaningful interface adjustments.