Tech

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…