Whispers

Baidu has launched Miaoda 3.0, an AI application development platform that significantly lowers the barrier to creating production-ready applications. The new version enables users to generate not only web applications but also native iOS and Android apps directly from natural language prompts, with features like online hot updates and mobile app development capabilities. Miaoda 3.0 also introduces an enterprise version with enhanced collaboration, permission management, and stability features, positioning itself as a comprehensive platform for both individual creators and businesses. AI

The cost of fiber-optic cable is surging due to a dual demand from ongoing conflicts and the rapid expansion of data centers for AI development. Military use, particularly in Ukraine, has increased significantly, with prices for cable spools rising dramatically. Simultaneously, major tech companies are placing massive orders for data centers, leading to supply shortages and further price hikes, with projections indicating a continued "fiber famine" in the coming years. AI

OpenAI has launched a new entity, the OpenAI Deployment Company, backed by over $4 billion in initial investment. This new venture aims to help organizations integrate and deploy AI systems by embedding specialized engineers. The move follows a trend of tech companies, including Google and Anthropic, establishing dedicated teams and partnerships to facilitate enterprise AI adoption. AI

SKC, a subsidiary of SK Group, plans to raise 1.17 trillion Korean won (approximately 5.3 billion RMB) through a new stock issuance. A significant portion of these funds, around 589.6 billion won, will be allocated to its subsidiary Absolix to advance its glass substrate business. Absolix is already collaborating with a US semiconductor company on prototypes for next-generation communication semiconductors. AI

Samsung Electronics is set to begin providing samples of its next-generation CXL 3.1 memory modules (CMM-D) to major server and data center manufacturers in the third quarter. Following customer quality certification, the company plans to initiate mass production preparations, including finalizing production scale and schedules for the fourth quarter. Separately, Google's new Gemini Omni model has been previewed, showcasing its ability to accurately interpret and process video content, including complex academic scenarios. AI

Samsung Electronics is preparing to mass-produce memory modules supporting the next-generation CXL 3.1 standard in the fourth quarter. The company will begin supplying samples of these CXL Memory Modules for Datacenters (CMM-D) to major server and datacenter manufacturers in the third quarter. Following quality certification from these clients, Samsung will finalize production scale and plans for the fourth quarter launch. AI

South Korean AI startup RLWRLD is developing a robotics foundation model by collecting data from skilled human workers across various industries. This initiative aims to train robots to perform complex physical tasks, mirroring human dexterity and expertise. The company is gathering data from hotel staff, logistics workers, and convenience store employees to build a comprehensive library of human skills for future industrial and domestic robots. This effort is part of South Korea's broader strategy to become a leader in physical AI, leveraging its manufacturing strengths. AI

Dessn, a design tool startup, has secured $6 million in funding to enhance its production-focused platform. The tool allows designers to work directly within a live codebase in the cloud, abstracting away setup complexities. This approach aims to streamline the handoff between design and development teams, differentiating it from ideation-focused tools. Dessn plans to integrate with collaboration tools like Slack and meeting notetakers to further automate design prototyping. AI

NASA has partnered with Microchip Technology to develop new spaceflight chips offering 100 times the computing power of current offerings. These radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant chips are designed for extended missions on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, as well as for commercial low Earth orbit satellites. The High-Performance Spaceflight Computing project aims to integrate computing and networking capabilities onto a single, scalable device, potentially enabling greater spacecraft autonomy and finding Earth-bound applications in areas like AI and medical equipment. AI

Roadrunner, a startup co-founded by Joubin Mirzadegan, has secured $27 million in funding to develop AI-native configure, price, quote (CPQ) software. The company aims to streamline complex sales deals and revenue generation by modernizing the quote-to-cash process, which has become increasingly complicated due to evolving pricing models. Roadrunner's approach, termed PQA (prompt, quote, approve), leverages AI to manage deal negotiations and approvals, addressing a market described as a 'blue ocean' opportunity. AI

Huawei's previously low-profile chip research division was prominently featured on national television, coinciding with preparations for a visit by former US President Donald Trump to China. The segment highlighted Huawei's advancements in AI and semiconductors, underscoring China's drive for technological self-sufficiency amidst ongoing US sanctions. This development is closely monitored for insights into China's capacity to circumvent Western export restrictions, particularly concerning AI processors like Huawei's Ascend series, which aims to compete with Nvidia. AI

Today's Sleep, a sleep health company founded by Wang Teng, has secured a new round of funding from multiple investors including CMC Capital, Cloud Nine Capital, Junli Capital, Hony Capital, and Hillhouse Ventures. This follows a seed round in January, which was backed by entities like Ziyuan Robot and Hillhouse Ventures. The company, established in January 2026, focuses on AI applications in health consulting and software development. AI

Samsung Electronics' market capitalization has surpassed $1 trillion, making its controlling Lee family the four wealthiest individuals in South Korea. This surge is primarily driven by the immense demand for Samsung's memory chips, particularly high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which are crucial components for AI hardware from companies like Nvidia and AMD. The company's chip division reported record quarterly revenue and profit, with analysts predicting continued strong growth in HBM revenue due to the ongoing AI boom. AI

Anthropic has secured a significant compute deal with SpaceXAI, a newly merged entity combining SpaceX and xAI, to address Claude's token usage limits. This partnership is notable given Elon Musk's prior vocal criticism of Anthropic. The agreement grants Anthropic access to compute capacity at Musk's Colossus 1 data center, with future discussions about placing data centers in space. AI

Guangzhou has released its 2026 work plan for the AI industry, focusing on strengthening intelligent computing power and data element supply. The plan emphasizes a tiered development of data centers and optimizing construction standards for computing power projects. It also aims to improve data circulation mechanisms, deepen public data resource operation, and foster data sharing and fusion applications to create high-quality multimodal datasets. AI

Volkswagen Group is accelerating its transformation in China by launching over 20 new energy vehicles by 2026, with a focus on localized R&D and intelligent features. The company unveiled four new models, including the Audi E7X, a premium electric SUV developed with Momenta for advanced driver-assistance systems. Volkswagen is also integrating AI and large language models into its vehicles, aiming to be the first multinational automaker to apply AI capabilities across all its models in China. AI

Chinese electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has launched its new A10 model, priced between 65,800 and 86,800 yuan, aiming to capture a significant share of the 100,000 yuan market segment. The A10 differentiates itself with advanced intelligent driving features, including lidar and high-end Qualcomm chips, alongside an extended pure electric range of up to 500km. Leapmotor plans to release several new models this year, targeting a total sales goal of 1 million vehicles by 2026, while also aiming to elevate its brand image. AI

SoftBank Group has launched a battery business in Japan to support the growing power demands of AI applications. The company aims to begin producing battery cells and energy storage systems by fiscal year 2027, targeting gigawatt-hour scale production by fiscal year 2028. SoftBank plans to deploy these batteries in its own data centers, as well as in grid systems, industrial, and residential sectors, with a revenue goal exceeding 100 billion yen annually by 2030. AI

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is planning its first-ever issuance of Japanese yen bonds to potentially fund its artificial intelligence initiatives. This move comes as Alphabet has increased its capital expenditure forecast for the year to up to $190 billion. The tech giant is also reportedly on track to surpass Nvidia in market capitalization. AI

Publicly offered funds are actively submitting applications for technology-themed products, with a focus on sectors like semiconductors, photovoltaics, artificial intelligence, and smart vehicles. This surge indicates a strong preference among fund managers for technology assets. The demand for computing power is high, with significant funding rounds for AI models and increasing token consumption. Simultaneously, domestic chip production is improving, with projections showing a substantial increase in local chip shipments for AI accelerators and a growing demand for CPUs driven by AI agents. AI

SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics saw their stock prices reach new all-time highs, with SK Hynix rising over 8% and Samsung Electronics up more than 5%. This surge coincides with reports that AI chip firm Cerebras Systems is planning to increase its IPO price range to $150-$160 per share, potentially raising $4.8 billion if priced at the upper end of its guidance. AI

Malaysian conglomerate Mah Sing is pivoting towards the AI era by developing data centers and premium residences. The company reported strong financial results in 2025, with real estate sales reaching $633 million and profit at $66 million. Mah Sing is leveraging its land banks in key areas like the Klang Valley and Johor to attract data center operators, capitalizing on Malaysia's economic growth and foreign investment initiatives. AI

India's energy transition is focusing on grid modernization to handle the influx of renewable energy, particularly solar power. Rajasthan is pioneering this effort by implementing a large-scale digital twin of its distribution network to improve grid intelligence and reliability. This initiative aims to manage volatile renewable energy surges, reduce losses, and ensure consistent power delivery, making the state a potential model for other developing regions. AI