Tag: China

  • Xiaomi 10,000mAh Pocket Power Bank with Built-In Cable

    Xiaomi 10,000mAh Pocket Power Bank with Built-In Cable

    Key Takeaway

    – Updated to meet China’s 2026 stricter battery safety standards
    – Built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a lanyard
    – Charges up to three devices simultaneously
    – 22.5W max charging speed, 10,000mAh capacity
    – Connects to a laptop to view battery info via USB-C

    Power Bank from Xiaomi Hits China

    The Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Power Bank with Built-in Cable (2026) has been released in China. It is essentually a refreshed version of Xiaomi’s popular compact power bank, with the main upgrade beeing compliance with China’s 2026 portable power bank standard.

    Tuffer Safety Rules

    The revised standard introduces stricter battery safety requiremments, including needle penetration, compression, and overcharging tests designed to reduce the risk of fire and explosions. Xiaomi has priced the upgraded power bank at 149 yuan (around US$22) in China.

    Charging Without Extra Cords

    With its built-in USB-C cable, the Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition 2026 can charge a phone or tablet without reaching for extra cables. The cable doubles as a lanyard for easy carrying, and there is extra USB-C and USB-A ports for charging up to three devices at the same time. Charging speeds top out at 22.5W across the cable and ports, so it is not the fastest power bank around. Still, the 10,000mAh capacity should be enough for a quick top-up while on the go.

    Smart Battery Info

    Xiaomi also says consumers can connect the power bank to a laptop via USB-C to view charging informtion, such as remaining capacity, battery health, cycle count, and temperature. However, there is no display here, like in most recent power banks. Instead, it have four LED lights to indicate the remaining capacity.

    Available Colours Now

    That said, the Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition 2026 Power Bank with Built-in Cable is now available in China in jade blue and light brown. Xiaomi.

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  • Tianlong-3 Maiden Flight Fails, a Setback for China’s SpaceX Rival

    Tianlong-3 Maiden Flight Fails, a Setback for China’s SpaceX Rival

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Tianlong-3 rocket’s maiden flight failed to place its payload into the intended orbit due to propulsion issues.
    2. The mission experienced an apparent engine explosion around two minutes after launch, causing deviation from the expected flight path.
    3. Despite the failure, the event is viewed as a technical setback, providing valuable data for future development.
    4. The program aims to develop reusable launch capabilities to compete in the commercial space industry, similar to SpaceX.
    5. This was only the second mission of the Tianlong series, with Tianlong-2 previously reaching orbit successfully.

    Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3 Launch Ends in Disappointment

    Recently, there’s been some news about the Tianlong-3, a rocket from China, launching from the Jiuquan space center around lunchtime. It was aiming to reach a orbit that shadowed the sun, which is pretty tricky, but the mission didn’t quite go as planed. The launch teams said the rocket did lift off, but the payload never made it to its perfect orbit despite the success to leave the pad. No concrete details about what was in the payload till now.

    Technical Insights and Future Goals

    From a technical preview, the Tianlong-3 don’t just represent a regular rocket, but it’s like a stepping stone for Space Pioneer and China’s private space plans. The first section of the rocket boasts nine TH-12 engines powering it up, and the second stage runs on a singular, more advanced, vacuum-optimized TH-12 engine. Although this was not a reusable rocket, the developers are aiming reusability in future missions, trying to get China’s place in the competitive launch market that SpaceX dominates. Reuters mentions the overall aim is to boost China’s private spacecraft industry to a new level.

    What Went Wrong During the Launch?

    About two minutes after liftoff, a problem cropped up with the rocket’s engines. Some early pictures show what might have been an explosion near an engine, which is concerning, but no official conclusion has been shared yet. The reports also suggest that something was off either near the end of the first stage’s burn or during the switch to the second stage. With just one engine on the second stage, this part of the rocket is less resilient if things go wrong, making it more vulnerable to issues during flight.

    Lessons from the Setback

    Even though this maiden voyage of Tianlong-3 didn’t work out, it right now doesn’t mean the project is dead in the water. For new rockets, failures on first tries are quite common, and they normally help make future launches safer and better. The German outlet Golem pointed out that this setback is mainly a technical glitch which will give Space Pioneer important data to improve their designs. It’s only the second launch for the Tianlong rocket family, with the first, Tianlong-2, achieving orbit successfully in 2023, which was considered a great achievement for China’s private space companies.

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  • BYD Spins Off Electric Taxi Unit Linghui Offers $2,300 Free Charging

    BYD Spins Off Electric Taxi Unit Linghui Offers $2,300 Free Charging

    Key Takeaway

    1. BYD is outsourcing commercial EV models to its new sub-brand Linghui to differentiate from its consumer vehicles and maintain brand prestige.
    2. The Linghui e7 features advanced technology, including the Blade Battery and Flash Charging System, enabling rapid charging in just nine minutes.
    3. The company offers aggressive pricing and incentives, such as a year of free charging, to attract ride-hailing drivers and compete in China’s EV market.
    4. The move aims to protect BYD’s core brand image while ensuring profitability in its commercial vehicle segment amidst intense market competition.

    Introduction to BYD’s Electric Vehicle Strategy in China

    When you hail a ride in China nowadays, it’s very likely that the vehicle is an all-electric BYD. While this fact shows how successful the brand’s EVs are, it’s also starting to create some complications for BYD. The problem is, when a car brand gets linked with affordable taxis, it can unfortunately reduce its appeal to private customers. That’s making BYD rethink how to position their electric models in the market and maintain their prestige.

    Market Challenges and Brand Realignment

    Other electric car brands such as GAC Aion and Neta already faced shrinking sales as they became too intertwined with commercial use, and now BYD is tackling this by launching a new sub-brand called Linghui. This move is strategic: they are rebranding their commercial electric vehicles under this new label, aiming to separate the taxi fleet from their premium offerings. By doing this, it helps to sustain the image of BYD’s more luxury-oriented and private vehicles, while still catering to commercial needs.

    New Electric Models and Innovations

    • The electric models under Linghui include the e5, e7, and e9 sedans, as well as the M9 plug-in hybrid van.
    • The spotlight is on the Linghui e7, which measures 4.78 meters in length.
    • This vehicle features the second generation Blade Battery and the cutting-edge Flash Charging System that charges from 10 to 97% in just nine minutes — truly impressive.

    Pricing and Incentives in the Chinese Market

    BYD is pulling out all stops to make Linghui attractive in the fiercely competitive Chinese market. They offer an appealing package: buyers of the E7 receive not just the latest tech but also a year of free charging at all Linghui and Didi stations. For drivers with an annual mileage of around 100,000 km, which is typical in ride-hailing, this benefit could save about 16,000 yuan, roughly 2,300 dollars. This significant saving makes the vehicle more profitable for drivers, boosting its appeal.

    Network Expansion and Market Impact

    The charging infrastructure for Linghui models is well-established, covering 127 cities across China. This extensive network supports the strategic move to promote electric taxis while safeguarding the core BYD brand’s image for private customers. In addition, the approach ensures the fleet remains highly profitable for operators and drivers alike. As for international markets, discussions on customs tariffs are still ongoing, but China’s electric vehicle industry clearly demonstrates just how cutthroat this sector has become.


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  • Apple Reduces App Store Commission to 25% in China

    Apple Reduces App Store Commission to 25% in China

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is reducing the standard commission rate for paid apps and in-app purchases in mainland China from 30% to 25%.
    2. The commission rates for the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program will decrease from 15% to 12%.
    3. Changes to commission rates will take effect on March 15, 2026.
    4. Developers do not need to sign new agreements to benefit from the updated commission rates.
    5. Apple aims to provide fair and transparent terms while ensuring App Store commission rates in China remain competitive with other regions.

    Apple has announced a decrease in the commission fees for its App Store in mainland China, following what it termed as talks with the local regulator. In a notice to developers, Apple revealed that the standard commission rate for paid applications and in-app purchases will be reduced from 30% to 25%.

    Changes to Small Business Program

    Additionally, the company indicated that the commission rates for eligible participants in the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program, as well as the rate for auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year, will be lowered from 15% to 12%. These adjustments are set to take effect starting March 15, 2026.

    Developer Agreement Updates

    In its update for developers, Apple clarified that there is no need for developers to sign new agreements prior to March 15 to benefit from the new commission rates. Furthermore, the Apple Developer Program License Agreement has been modified to align with this updated policy, allowing developers to log in and accept the revised terms.

    Apple has positioned this change as part of its strategy to maintain an appealing environment for developers within the iOS and iPadOS ecosystem in China. The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing “fair and transparent terms” while ensuring that App Store commission rates in China do not exceed those in other regions.

    According to Apple’s announcement, these revised commission rates began on March 15, 2026, for the mainland China App Store on iOS and iPadOS. The standard rate for paid apps and in-app purchases is now 25%, while the rates applicable under the Small Business and Mini Apps Partner Programs, along with auto-renewable subscriptions after the first year, have been adjusted to 12%. This change was made following discussions with the Chinese regulator.

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  • China Plans Moon Bases by 2035, Outpacing the U.S.

    China Plans Moon Bases by 2035, Outpacing the U.S.

    Key Takeaways

    1. China is rapidly advancing in space exploration and may soon surpass the U.S. in lunar missions.
    2. The U.S. is facing significant delays, particularly with the Starship program and the Artemis III astronaut suits.
    3. China has successfully established the Tiangong space station and retrieved lunar samples.
    4. The Moon is viewed as a critical base for future space missions, including potential missions to Mars.
    5. The competition for establishing a lunar presence remains uncertain, but China’s progress suggests it may lead in the near future.

    In the past few years, space exploration has made significant strides, with many nations aiming to return to the Moon and set up a long-lasting base. Although the United States appeared to be leading in this venture, China is quickly closing the gap.

    Rapid Progress by China

    A report from the Commercial Space Federation, named Redshift, pointed out that China is advancing swiftly and may soon surpass the U.S. Notably, China has already established the Tiangong space station, successfully mapped the Moon’s surface, and retrieved lunar samples. Additionally, the country is working on large satellite constellations, much like those from SpaceX.

    Challenges Facing the U.S.

    On the flip side, the United States has been facing multiple delays, particularly with the HLS (human landing system) for the Starship program. There are still significant hurdles to address for this updated spacecraft, such as refueling and operations in low Earth orbit. Furthermore, it’s not just the Starship program that is lagging; the spacesuits intended for the Artemis III astronauts are not complete, nor are the necessary life-support systems.

    The Moon’s Potential

    The Moon presents itself as an enormous laboratory that holds great promise for future space missions. Creating bases on the lunar surface could act as a launch point for further explorations, including Mars and other distant planets or moons. At this point, it remains uncertain which nation will first establish a presence on the Moon, but China’s rapid advancement suggests it may lead the way in space exploration in the near future.

    Techno-Science.net (in French)

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  • Audi E5 Electric Wagon: 10,000 Orders in 30 Minutes

    Audi E5 Electric Wagon: 10,000 Orders in 30 Minutes

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Audi E5 electric wagon gained 10,000 orders in just 30 minutes in China, showing strong demand in the largest automotive market.
    2. The E5 Sportback features a performance boost, with the highest trim producing 776 horsepower and a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds.
    3. The starting model offers an impressive driving range of 385 miles for $33,000, while the premium variant can achieve 402 miles with a 100 kWh battery.
    4. Audi designed the E5 to cater to Chinese market preferences, featuring a 59-inch wide dashboard screen and modern interior amenities.
    5. The E5 Sportback was developed in collaboration with SAIC and will be produced at a SAIC-Volkswagen facility in Shanghai.

    The Audi E5 electric wagon has made a notable debut in China, gaining 10,000 orders within just 30 minutes. This success confirms the German automaker’s choice to introduce a dedicated electric vehicle in the largest automotive market in the world.

    Performance Boost

    The E5 Sportback, which showcases a new Audi logo, was initially introduced as a concept car. Interestingly, the production version delivers an additional 11 horsepower. The highest trim can produce 776 horsepower from its dual electric motors, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The base trim comes with a power rating of 295 horsepower.

    Impressive Range

    When it comes to driving distance, many would agree that the Audi E5 Sportback provides great value. The starting model, priced at only $33,000, can achieve a range of 385 miles based on the CLTC standard with a 75 kWh battery. In contrast, the premium variant can cover 402 miles using its 100 kWh battery. The flagship model begins at $45,000.

    Designed for Local Tastes

    Audi chose to embrace the design preferences of the Chinese market with the E5, differentiating it from the brand’s offerings in the West. The interior boasts a striking 59-inch wide screen that stretches across the dashboard. This screen is accompanied by two digital side mirrors, and the cabin also features wireless phone charging stations and Alcantara upholstery.

    The development of the E5 Sportback was done in collaboration with SAIC and will be produced at a SAIC-Volkswagen facility located in Shanghai.

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  • Tesla Teases New 6-Seat Model Y L Interior Before China Launch

    Tesla Teases New 6-Seat Model Y L Interior Before China Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Tesla Model Y L will seat six passengers with captain’s chairs for easier access to the rear seats.
    2. Upgrades include powered armrests in the second row, new C-pillar vents for airflow, and enhanced front seat features.
    3. The last two rows of seats can fold flat with a button, increasing cargo space for travelers.
    4. Deliveries of the Model Y L in China are expected to start in September, with production already underway.
    5. The Model Y L for China will feature an 82 kWh NMC battery, offering a driving range of 751 km based on CLTC standards.

    Photos of the Tesla Model Y L in China have been circulating widely across the internet. The automaker has also released a teaser video on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, revealing the interior of this updated SUV.

    Interior Features and Seating

    In the 18-second video, it’s confirmed that the Model Y L will accommodate six passengers. The second row is designed with captain’s chairs, which allows for easy access to the rear seats. This added space in the larger cabin makes it a better option for families needing extra room.

    Other improvements to the seating include powered armrests for the second row, new vents located on the C-pillar for enhanced airflow to those in the third row, and additional cupholders. The front seats have also been upgraded with adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and leg-rest extensions.

    Cargo Space and Cabin Upgrades

    The last two rows of seats can be folded flat with the simple press of a button, creating more cargo space, a feature that will surely be appreciated by campers and road travelers. The cabin has also seen several minor updates, such as new door panels, aluminum accents, and a sleek black headliner.

    Tesla is anticipated to commence deliveries of the Model Y L in China come September. There are reports indicating that the production of the larger SUV has already begun, as shown by the recent sighting of a car carrier transporting at least three uncovered units.

    Expansion Plans and Battery Details

    Recent sightings in Germany hint that Tesla may have plans for the Model Y L beyond the Chinese market. The version designed for China is expected to come equipped with an 82 kWh NMC battery, providing a driving range of 751 km based on CLTC standards.

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  • China’s Foundry Capacity Expected to Reach 30% by 2030

    China’s Foundry Capacity Expected to Reach 30% by 2030

    Key Takeaways

    1. By 2030, Mainland China’s semiconductor foundry capacity is projected to reach 30%, surpassing Taiwan’s stable 23%.
    2. China’s growth is driven by state-supported funding, particularly from the “Big Fund,” which supports domestic companies like SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor.
    3. Three new fab projects in China are set to begin in 2025, focusing on crucial mature nodes (8 nm to 45 nm) for various industries.
    4. China faces challenges in producing leading-edge products, with SMIC struggling to achieve consistent 5 nm processes while competitors advance to 2 nm.
    5. The shift in global semiconductor capacity reduces reliance on Taiwan and shows that market share does not guarantee technological leadership.

    According to new estimates from Yole Group, it appears that Mainland China is on track to surpass Taiwan in the global semiconductor foundry capacity by the time this decade concludes. The research company anticipates that by 2030, China will hold 30 percent of the worldwide capacity, an increase from 21 percent this year. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s share is expected to remain stable at about 23 percent. South Korea, Japan, and the United States follow behind with shares of 19 percent, 13 percent, and 10 percent, respectively.

    The Driving Force Behind Change

    The reason behind this transformation is largely due to Beijing’s “whole-nation” approach. The state-supported funding from the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund—commonly referred to as the “Big Fund”—has played a significant role in establishing national players like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and Hua Hong Semiconductor. Currently, domestic companies are responsible for around 15 percent of China’s foundry output, and Yole forecasts that this percentage will increase significantly as new fabs become operational.

    Construction Trends Align with Projections

    Data regarding construction backs up these predictions. SEMI, a U.S. industry group, has reported that three new fab projects in China are expected to commence in 2025, which accounts for one-sixth of the total worldwide. Many of these projects are aimed at mature nodes ranging from 8 nm to 45 nm, a capacity that remains crucial for automotive, industrial control systems, and the growing Internet-of-Things market.

    Challenges Ahead for China

    However, China faces challenges when it comes to leading-edge products. SMIC has not yet proven a consistent 5 nm process, two years after it launched its first 7 nm chips in Huawei devices. On the other hand, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics are pushing rapidly towards mass production at 2 nm. Lacking similar lithography tools—due to U.S. export restrictions—Chinese fabs are likely to concentrate on volume production instead of cutting-edge density.

    In conclusion, the shift in capacity is significant. It diminishes the global reliance on a few Taiwanese locations and indicates that merely having market share does not assure technological dominance anymore.

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  • GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    Key Takeaways

    1. President Trump’s administration implemented “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, raising concerns about GPU price increases.
    2. A federal order suggests that GPUs are unlikely to be impacted by these reciprocal tariffs.
    3. Graphics cards will still incur a 25% tariff related to aluminum imports from China and other nations.
    4. Important tariff codes for GPUs and related components are missing from the federal order’s list of affected products.
    5. Current tariffs on products from China to the US reach 104%, with China retaliating with 84% tariffs on American goods.

    President Trump’s administration has put in place what is being called “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, which has raised worries about the potential impact on GPU prices, already expected to rise. However, as per the federal order released on April 7, it appears that components like GPUs are unlikely to be influenced by these reciprocal tariffs. Nonetheless, graphics cards will still face a 25% tariff focused on aluminum for imports from China and other nations.

    Details on Tariff Codes

    The federal order enumerates all products and components impacted by the reciprocal tariffs with their HTSUS or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States codes. According to Annex II, the order includes “Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers,” “Electronic integrated circuits: memories,” and “Parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies,” along with their respective HTSUS codes.

    Missing Codes

    However, the list does not mention codes for graphics cards or “Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (graphics processing modules)” and “Parts and accessories of machines with heading 8471, whether or not including fan hubs or LEDs but not including other goods of heading 8541 or 8542).” These are classified under tariff codes 8473301180 and 8473305100, which PCMag points out are both absent from the Annex.

    This indicates that GPUs might be free from at least the reciprocal tariffs. Yet, since they’re categorized as aluminum-related products, they remain subject to the overarching 25% tariffs that were first imposed on imports. While this is the present scenario, there’s a chance for things to worsen as separate chip-focused tariffs may come into play. Currently, products coming from China to the US are facing a total tariff of 104%, while China has responded with retaliatory tariffs of 84% on all American goods.

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  • Chinese Hackers Steal Data from US Telecom Companies, Authorities Warn

    Chinese Hackers Steal Data from US Telecom Companies, Authorities Warn

    Last month, it was reported by Reuters that hackers believed to be connected to China successfully breached telecommunications networks in the United States. Their target was phones associated with individuals involved in the electoral campaign for Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate.

    Additionally, the breach also affected Republican candidates, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, who were similarly targeted during this incident.

    Confirmation of the Breach

    Recently, U.S. officials have confirmed the hacking incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint statement. They mentioned, “We have identified that PRC-affiliated actors have compromised networks at multiple telecommunications companies to enable the theft of customer call records data, the compromise of private communications of a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity, and the copying of certain information that was subject to U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders.”

    While the statement was brief and did not specify which government personnel or agencies were impacted, it described the situation as a “significant cyber espionage campaign.” Previously, The Wall Street Journal had reported that Chinese hackers may have obtained classified information from systems that are used for court-authorized wiretapping.

    Ongoing Concerns

    With these developments, concerns about cybersecurity and foreign interference in U.S. politics have intensified. The involvement of Chinese hackers in such activities raises alarms about the integrity of communication systems used by political figures, and it can potentially threaten national security. As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the breach and its implications for the future.

    The situation highlights the need for stronger security measures in telecommunications and the importance of vigilance against cyber threats that could undermine democratic processes.

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