Tech World Buzz This Week: Xiaomi 15 Price Hike, Microsoft's Bitcoin Consideration, and the Rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Tech World Buzz This Week: Xiaomi 15 Price Hike, Microsoft's Bitcoin Consideration, and the Rumored Nintendo Switch 2 LaunchThe tech world is buzzing this week, with the imminent release of the Xiaomi 15 series phones, Microsoft's rumored consideration of investing in Bitcoin, and the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 potentially launching this week.The Xiaomi 15 series phones are set to launch on October 29th at 7 PM

Tech World Buzz This Week: Xiaomi 15 Price Hike, Microsoft's Bitcoin Consideration, and the Rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

The tech world is buzzing this week, with the imminent release of the Xiaomi 15 series phones, Microsoft's rumored consideration of investing in Bitcoin, and the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 potentially launching this week.

Lei Jun: Xiaomi 15 Price Increase, But Justified

The Xiaomi 15 series phones are set to launch on October 29th at 7 PM. In response to user questions, Lei Jun confirmed that the Xiaomi 15 series will see a price increase; however, he assures users that the phones will still offer exceptional value for money, making the price increase "justified." He attributed the price hike to the 3nm process upgrade, the significant increase in supply chain costs for RAM and ROM, and the massive investment in research and development.

The Xiaomi 15 series phones are a showcase of Xiaomi's "Human-Car-Home Full Ecosystem" strategy. Beyond the Xiaomi 15 series, it includes the Xiaomi Pengpai OS2, the Xiaomi SU7Ultra production model, the Xiaomi Pad 7 series, the Xiaomi Watch S4, the Xiaomi Band 9Pro, as well as the new high-end Pro series of appliances, smart door locks, and Wi-Fi 7 routers.

ByteDance Accelerates Global Expansion, European AI Research Center Potentially in the Works

ByteDance is actively establishing its global AI research presence, with Europe emerging as a key focus. The company is scouting for top talent in large language models and AI, laying the groundwork for a European AI research center. ByteDance's European strategy is further evident in its recent board changes. In September, French businessman Xavier Niel joined the ByteDance board, which is considered a significant signal of the companys expansion into the European market.

Apple Opens Up PrivateCloudCompute, the Framework Behind its AI Models, to Researchers

Apple has officially invited security and privacy researchers to access its PrivateCloudCompute (PCC) cloud-based AI model framework, the foundation of its "Apple Intelligence" AI technology. Apple categorizes its AI services as either device-based or cloud-based, with PrivateCloudCompute being the "Apple Intelligence" cloud model. Apple asserts that PrivateCloudCompute is the most advanced and secure AI computing architecture in the cloud.

Big Player in the "Crypto World"? SEC Documents Indicate Microsoft to Consider Bitcoin Investment in December

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that Microsoft, a tech giant with a market capitalization exceeding $3 trillion, is contemplating investing in Bitcoin. Microsoft plans to vote on the proposal to "evaluate investing in Bitcoin" during its annual meeting in December. This proposal originated from the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank associated with "Plan 2025," citing Bitcoin as an "excellent tool to combat inflation." Shareholders, including Vanguard, BlackRock, and StateStreet, are eligible to vote on this proposal in December.

First Global Flying Car Manufacturing Base Commences Construction in Guangzhou

Construction has officially begun on the XPeng Heitech flying car manufacturing base. This marks the launch of the world's first flying car factory utilizing modern assembly lines for large-scale production. The facility will focus on producing the airframe of the "Land Carrier" split-type flying car, with an annual production capacity of 10,000 units.

Former Intel CEO: Splitting Manufacturing Arm Detrimental to Intel and the United States

Intel, grappling with financial difficulties due to substantial losses in its wafer foundry business, is considering separating its manufacturing operations into a separate entity. However, former Intel CEO Craig Barrett argues that such a move would harm Intel and undermine the US's goal of semiconductor leadership. He drew a comparison to AMD and GlobalFoundries' separation in 2008, suggesting that Intel might face a similar predicament to GlobalFoundries if its manufacturing division were spun off as an independent company.

Astronaut Hospitalized After "Medical Issue" Following SpaceX Human Spaceflight Mission

An astronaut has been hospitalized following a "medical issue" after participating in SpaceXs "Crew-8" mission. The astronaut's condition is currently stable. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft returned to Earth on the 25th, landing in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. The four-member Crew-8 crew completed a 235-day mission aboard the International Space Station and were transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. Following medical assessments, three crew members were released from the facility and traveled to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Despite not disclosing the specific astronaut experiencing the "medical issue," NASA officials affirmed the news.

Claude Introduces JavaScript Sandbox: AI Programming and Custom Code Upload

Anthropic recently announced a new JavaScript sandbox tool for its AI platform ClaudeAI. This feature is now available in preview mode for all users. The tool empowers users to write JavaScript code, upload and execute it within a secure sandbox environment, and automatically generate results.

2025 Geely Xingrui Oriental Yao Model Launched: FlymeAuto Car System, Starting at 99,700 Yuan

The 2025 Geely XingruiDongfang Yao model has been launched, offering five variants with an official starting price of 99,700 yuan. This model adopts a new interior and exterior design language, featuring a vertical chrome grille and T-shaped embellishments on the lower bumper. Its dimensions are 4785/1869/1469 millimeters, with a wheelbase of 2800 millimeters. The cockpit features the FlymeAuto car system, a six-speaker audio system, four-way steering wheel adjustment, perforated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable drivers seat. High-end versions also include upgrades such as a smart advanced car fragrance system, a 12-speaker Harman Infinity audio system, a color-changing breathing ambient light, and steering wheel paddle shifters.

Rumors Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Console Imminent

PHBrazil, a well-known Nintendo leaker, suggests that the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 could be unveiled on October 28th or 29th. PHBrazil notes that Nintendos next investor conference is scheduled for November 5th, but the current game lineup for the Switch is rather weak. Therefore, releasing the Switch 2 before the conference seems necessary to have content to showcase to shareholders. Notably, Pyoro, another prominent leaker, recently made mysterious changes to their social media account, further amplifying speculation about the imminent launch of the Switch 2.

Douyin Takes Action: Cracking Down on AI Deception Targeting Elderly Users

The Douyin platform recently issued a statement, clearly outlining its commitment to strictly combating activities utilizing artificial intelligence to deceptively engage with elderly users. The statement clarifies that while encouraging the use of AI for content creation, such content must adhere to platform guidelines. Douyin officials have identified accounts inappropriately employing AI technology to generate virtual personas like monks, soldiers, and AI women, using specific tactics to lure elderly users into interacting and even redirecting them for profit. These actions have been carried out without clear AI labeling or notification within the content.