China’s video game industry received a welcome shot of confidence in February as the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) greenlit 111 new titles for domestic release. This follows approvals for 115 Chinese titles in January and 32 imported games earlier in the month. This recent wave of approvals comes after a turbulent period for...
Author: Cecilia Lu (Cecilia Lu)
Chinese Chip Maker Acquitted of US Espionage Charges in Landmark Case
In a significant setback for the US Justice Department’s efforts to combat intellectual property theft by China, a Chinese chip maker, Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., has been cleared of economic espionage and other criminal charges. Following a non-jury trial, US District Judge Maxine M. Chesney in San Francisco found Fujian Jinhua not guilty. This...
Sony Announces Layoffs of 900 Employees in PlayStation Division, Closes London Studio
In a move echoing recent trends across the tech industry, Sony announced on Tuesday that it is laying off around 900 employees, or 8% of its global workforce, within its PlayStation division. The company also plans to close its London Studio in the UK. PlayStation chief Jim Ryan, in a note to employees, explained the...
A Look into Constructing LLMs in China: Insights from an Alibaba Employee
Tech companies in China are actively collecting resources and skilled individuals in order to close the gap with OpenAI. Interestingly, researchers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean share similar experiences. A recent post from an Alibaba researcher provides a unique insight into the process of building Large Language Models at the e-commerce company. This...
Inkitt: Using AI to Build a 21st Century Disney
Inkitt, a self-publishing platform with a bold vision, believes in using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform promising stories into bestsellers and build a multimedia empire around them. The company’s approach involves allowing users to self-publish stories on their app, then leveraging AI and data science to identify the most captivating ones for further development and...
China Aims for Record-Breaking Year in Space Exploration with 100 Launch Missions Planned
China is gearing up for a monumental year in space exploration, with a staggering 100 launch missions planned for 2024. This ambitious schedule, unveiled by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), marks a significant milestone for the nation’s space industry and positions it as a global leader in space exploration endeavors. CASC, the nation’s...
Shenzhen to Add Nearly 16,000 New Roadside Parking Spots in 2024
The Shenzhen Municipal Transport Bureau recently unveiled a plan to introduce nearly 16,000 new roadside parking spots across the city in 2024. This proposal, currently in its preliminary stages, aims to address parking concerns and improve accessibility in various areas. The plan outlines a strategic allocation of the new parking spaces, with 84% slated for...
Turning Wasteland into Farmland: Chinese Scientists Tackle Soil Salinization
In the vast, arid expanses of Wuyuan county, Inner Mongolia, China, a team of scientists led by soil scientist Li Yuyi is working to reclaim swathes of land rendered infertile by saline-alkaline soil. This type of soil, characterized by high levels of salt and sodium, poses a significant challenge for agriculture. Saline-alkaline land can occur...
Electric Titans Clash: BYD U9 vs. Ferrari and Lamborghini – A Battle of Innovation and Performance
Chinese automaker BYD, a major force in the electric vehicle (EV) market, has sent shockwaves through the industry with the audacious introduction of the U9, its revolutionary electric supercar. This bold move marks BYD’s entry into the high-performance EV segment, challenging established players and showcasing the company’s potential to push the boundaries of electric car...
Emerging Fashion Brands from Futian Debut at Milan Fashion Week
Last Friday, fashion brands from Futian district, Shenzhen, in South China’s Guangdong province, made a notable debut on the runway of the Autumn/Winter Milan Fashion Week, held at the prestigious Milan Royal Palace in Italy. This marked the district’s first collective entry into the official schedule of the esteemed fashion event, known as the “Shenzhen...