Tech

With over a billion users, Alipay has long been a household name in China, primarily known for its digital payment services. But as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, is there more room for innovation within this already multifaceted platform? Alipay's answer to this question is "Zhi Xiao Bao (支小宝)," a new AI-powered app unveiled at the 2024 Bund Conference, marking Alipay's bold leap into the AI era. The move signals Alipay's intention to integrate AI deeply into its services, but this journey has been in the making for some time. Ant Group's AI strategy was first hinted at six months ago when Chairman and CEO Jing Xiandong announced three key initiatives: "AI First," the "Alipay Dual Flywheel," and "Accelerating Globalization." However, it wasn't immediately clear how Alipay would integrate AI into its operations. Now, it's becoming evident that Alipay's approach is twofold: first, AI must be embedded into its existing services to enhance user experiences and service efficiency. Instead of focusing solely on AI as an overarching technology, Alipay is making AI central to all its operations. This internal exploration has yielded tangible results, with AI-powered tools gradually reshaping the platform. In 2024, the Alipay AI Assistant began beta testing,…

Yiwu (义乌), known as the "World's Supermarket," continues to capture global attention with its innovative trade practices and embrace of digitalization. As one walks through Yiwu International Trade Market, banners proclaiming "New Digital Era, New Trade Opportunities" highlight the city's focus on leveraging digital trends to enhance trade efficiency. Despite changing global trade landscapes, Yiwu remains steadfast in optimizing its business environment, pushing reforms to align with the new realities of international commerce. This year, cross-border e-commerce has become a significant growth driver for Yiwu, opening new avenues for its merchants. By introducing an innovative "consolidated cargo" trade model and implementing the "inspect first, load later" pilot program, Yiwu has made strides in supporting the expansion of new trade formats. These efforts have boosted Yiwu's foreign trade and improved global connectivity. Yiwu's logistical infrastructure has long been a cornerstone of its success. The city's strategic position and emphasis on logistics innovation have helped transform it into a global trading hub. This is evident in the success of entrepreneurs like Bishnu, a Nepali merchant who has expanded his market from Nepal to neighbouring countries like India and Bhutan, thanks to Yiwu's comprehensive logistics network. Yiwu has effectively capitalized on land and…

Chinese robots are gaining momentum in international markets as the global robotics industry expands. At the recently concluded 2024 World Robot Conference, over 600 innovative robot products were showcased, highlighting China's pivotal role in shaping the future of robotics. From industrial applications to household innovations, Chinese robots are moving beyond domestic use, spearheading growth in foreign trade, especially in the Yangtze River Delta region. The National Bureau of Statistics reports that from January to July 2024, China produced over 300,000 sets of industrial robots, with a remarkable 19.7% year-on-year growth in July alone. The strong growth in production has been accompanied by a significant increase in robot exports, with the Yangtze River Delta region contributing more than half of the nation's total robotic exports. Yangtze River Delta Leading the Robotic Export Boom The Yangtze River Delta, a crucial manufacturing hub, has emerged as a powerhouse in China's robotics exports. Data from Shanghai Customs revealed that in the first seven months of 2024, the region's total trade value reached 9.1 trillion yuan, up 5.8% year-on-year, with exports of industrial robots growing by 26.6% to 20.5 billion yuan. This accounts for more than 50% of China's total robot exports. China's robotics companies…

For the past decades, the competition to establish the first "humanoid robot city" has intensified across major cities in China. As humanoid robots become more advanced, various regions are launching innovative centers, government-backed initiatives, and industrial collaborations aimed at becoming leaders in this rapidly emerging field. Despite the current uncertainty around commercialization, this race signals a significant shift in the landscape of robotics and technology. The origins of this race can be traced to the establishment of humanoid robot innovation centers across China. In late 2023, Beijing launched the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Major tech players like UBTech, Xiaomi, and Jingcheng Electromechanical joined forces to lead this initiative, each holding a 28.57% share in the center. These founding members collectively authorized more than 600 humanoid robot-related patents to the innovation center, paving the way for future developments. Similarly, Shanghai inaugurated its own humanoid robot center in May 2024, which includes a training facility capable of accommodating 100 humanoid robots for intelligent training. This facility is expected to expand to support 1,000 robots by 2027. Not to be outdone, Shenzhen also established its Embodied Intelligence Robotics Center, backed by organizations like…

The world of smartphones has been on a relentless pursuit of innovation, always pushing the boundaries of technology. Enter Huawei's latest creation, the Mate XT Extraordinary Master, a foldable phone that has once again redefined the industry's expectations. With the Mate XT, Huawei has introduced a new era in foldable smartphones, delivering a stunning multi-fold experience that broadens the concept of what a phone can do. The Evolution of Foldable Phones: Huawei's Leading Role It's been five years since foldable phones first hit the market, offering larger screens and a new kind of visual experience that quickly became the hallmark of high-end mobile devices. Yet, while the concept of foldable phones has existed for some time, Huawei has continuously pushed the envelope, distinguishing itself as a leader in this niche. From the very beginning, the company has shown mastery over various folding technologies, such as vertical, inward, and outward folding designs. This pioneering spirit has placed Huawei in the coveted number-one position, where it commands a significant portion of the foldable phone market—42% in the first half of 2024 alone. Now, with the Mate XT Extraordinary Master, Huawei has once again expanded the boundaries of what is possible. This new…

In the race toward improving renewable energy technologies, researchers constantly seek innovative materials that can increase efficiency while reducing costs. Sometimes, nature provides the most unexpected sources of inspiration. One such example is a recent breakthrough by a research team at Westlake University, led by Professor Sun Licheng. They developed a new ion transport membrane (ITM) based on the unique properties of watermelon rind. What began as a serendipitous discovery during a late-night experiment has now evolved into a promising solution for various energy conversion systems, including fuel cells and electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reactions. This development highlights how natural materials can offer fresh approaches to solving complex technological challenges. A Serendipitous Discovery The journey toward this discovery started in 2021 with a surprising observation in the lab. During a long work session, researchers Liu Qinglu and Dr. Tang Tang, members of Professor Sun's team, placed a watermelon in a freezer for a quick snack break. Days later, when they retrieved the watermelon from the freezer, they noticed that the rind had naturally separated from the fruit in the form of a thin, transparent membrane upon thawing. This seemingly trivial observation triggered a creative hypothesis: could the watermelon rind…

With the gradual awakening of international tourism, "Following the success of "China Tourism," "China Hotels" has become a new traffic password on overseas social media platforms. As the first stop for many foreign tourists to China, the hotel plays a vital role in their initial impression of China Foreign guests often come with a variety of expectations, and the unique blend of traditional Chinese hospitality with cutting-edge technology often leaves them pleasantly surprised. These surprises are more than just convenient—they are memorable, forming the foundation of a deeper, more meaningful connection with the country. Foreign Impressions: A Fusion of Cleanliness, Comfort, and Care When asked about their experiences in China’s hotels, foreign visitors frequently cite three main attributes: cleanliness, comfort, and exemplary service. For many, these qualities not only meet but exceed their expectations. Take Wilfried from Côte d'Ivoire (科特迪瓦), for example. A frequent traveler for business, Wilfried often stays at the Foshan Hyatt Hotel, a place he now regularly recommends to his friends. What strikes him most is the hotel’s immaculate cleanliness and comprehensive fitness facilities. Unlike many hotels in other countries, where amenities like gym access come with an extra charge, many Chinese hotels offer these services free…

As the allure of "China Travel" continues to captivate the world, a new dimension of the experience is unfolding—one that seamlessly integrates technology with the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Chengdu, a city known for its vibrant streets and culinary delights, is at the forefront of this transformation. For foreign visitors, Chengdu offers more than just sights; it provides an immersive digital experience where smartphones become the gateway to a world of cashless convenience. Foreign Tourists Embrace Chengdu's Cashless Experience David, an Australian tourist visiting Chengdu with his daughters, is a perfect example of this trend. From chatting with friends on WeChat to hailing a ride with Didi Taxi (滴滴打车), David effortlessly navigates the city's tech-driven landscape. This integration into the Chinese consumption scene is no accident. According to recent data, the number of transactions by foreign consumers in Sichuan during the May Day holiday increased by over 800% compared to the previous year, with transaction amounts surging by more than 950%. The convenience of mobile payments, once a novelty, is now a standard expectation for the growing number of international tourists in Chengdu. The city's metro system, which is a lifeline for both locals and tourists, is also embracing…

The Marvels of 6G: Beyond the Numbers As we relish the benefits of the world's largest 5G network, a significant milestone has emerged: China has successfully established the world's first 6G field test network, seamlessly integrating intelligence and communication. While 5G continues to enhance our digital experiences, the race for 6G technology is already in full swing, promising advancements that are far beyond a mere numerical increment. Unprecedented Speeds and Reduced Latency The most striking upgrade that 6G offers is a quantum leap in data transmission speeds. According to Liu Guangyi, chief expert at China Mobile Research Institute, 6G is theoretically capable of boosting data transfer rates to over 100 times that of 5G, achieving speeds of several gigabytes or even terabytes per second. Downloading a 1GB movie, which currently takes around three seconds on a 5G network, will take less than a second, possibly as little as 0.03 seconds, in the 6G era. Another pivotal advancement is the dramatic reduction in network latency. While 5G operates with millisecond-level delays, 6G aims to achieve microsecond-level transmission delays, a thousand times shorter than the blink of an eye. This leap in latency will significantly enhance the performance of real-time applications. The…

AI Coaches: The Secret Weapon Behind China's Success At the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris, China's athletes are not the only ones making headlines. Behind the scenes, Chinese technology is playing a pivotal role, transforming the way athletes train and compete. The Paris Olympics marks the first major deployment of AI technology across the entire event, from pre-game training to live broadcasts. China's basketball, diving, and sailing teams have a secret weapon: AI coaches developed by tech giants like SenseTime, Baidu, and Lenovo. These AI systems analyze athletes' movements and provide real-time feedback, optimizing performance and strategy. For instance, SenseTime's AI basketball system creates 3D models of the court and uses motion capture to monitor players' movements and the ball's trajectory. This technology helps coaches devise more effective game plans by analyzing opponents' tactics and optimizing player performance based on detailed data analysis. Baidu's AI diving system, utilized by China's "Dream Team," offers precise real-time scoring and detailed analysis of diving techniques. Athletes like Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi rely on this system to perfect their moves, receiving instant feedback on their performance. Similarly, the Lenovo AI system aids the sailing team by analyzing training videos to improve physical movements…

The Rise of AI Video Models in China In the fast-evolving world of Chinese short video platforms, two giants, Douyin (known globally as TikTok) and Kuaishou, are now quietly competing in the realm of AI video models. What began as a battle for user engagement and market share has transformed into a race to develop the most advanced AI video generation technologies. Kuaishou's recent introduction of its AI video model, Kuaishou Kling, has set the stage for a new era of competition. This model, which was showcased at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in 2024, allows users to generate realistic video content. The platform has already seen significant interest, with over 500,000 users applying to use it, generating more than 7 million videos. Meanwhile, Douyin's parent company, ByteDance, is gearing up to reveal its own AI advancements. On July 19, ByteDance plans to share new developments in AI models, particularly in generating long and high-dynamic-range videos. The announcement follows the launch of ByteDance's World Models AI forum in Singapore, where the focus will be on cutting-edge techniques for continuous dynamic long video generation. The Core Role of AI in Short Video Platforms AI has become an integral part of…