Tech News Recap: December 12, 2024

Tech News Recap: December 12, 2024Thursday, December 12, 2024, saw a flurry of noteworthy events in the tech world. From the upgrade of Tencent QQ's VIP membership to a Tesla Autopilot-related fatality and lawsuit, the booming new energy vehicle market, and advancements in software copyright protection, a range of news shaped today's technological landscape

Tech News Recap: December 12, 2024

Thursday, December 12, 2024, saw a flurry of noteworthy events in the tech world. From the upgrade of Tencent QQ's VIP membership to a Tesla Autopilot-related fatality and lawsuit, the booming new energy vehicle market, and advancements in software copyright protection, a range of news shaped today's technological landscape. Let's review the major tech news from last night and this morning.

1. Tencent QQ VIP9 Launches Next March: Permanent Activation Starting at 788, Pre-orders Open

According to IT Home, Tencent QQ has officially opened pre-orders for its upgraded VIP9 membership, launching in early March 2025. As an upgrade to the QQ VIP service launched in 2019, VIP9 offers enhanced privileges including exclusive monthly subscription discounts, accelerated QQ level-up, exclusive QQ group identity badges, special colorful identity markers, and QQ profile card DIY features. The membership costs 788 and offers permanent activation. This move aims to improve user experience and create a new revenue stream for Tencent. Whether this upgrade will attract more paying users and boost Tencent's overall profitability remains to be seen. The viability of the permanent activation model, its competitive pricing, and its ability to meet long-term user needs will be key factors influencing its market performance. This also sparks discussion about the future of internet membership services will permanent or subscription-based models ultimately dominate?

2. Man Dies in Tesla Autopilot Crash into Fire Truck, Family Files Lawsuit

In the early morning hours of February 18, 2023, a tragic accident occurred. 31-year-old Genesis Giovanni Mendoza Martinez died after his Tesla, operating on Autopilot, collided with a parked fire truck. His family has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the Autopilot system caused their relative's death. This accident further highlights concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology. While Autopilot and similar driver-assistance systems can improve driving efficiency and safety to a degree, they have limitations and cannot entirely replace driver responsibility. The accident underscores the challenges of autonomous driving technology in real-world applications and the need for improved regulations and oversight. Balancing the convenience and safety of autonomous driving technology will be a crucial task going forward. The outcome of this lawsuit will significantly impact the development and application of autonomous driving technology.

3. The "Music Phone" Returns: vivo Y300 Partners with AAC Technologies for a New Super Speaker Integrated into the Camera Module

vivo announced on December 11th the December 16th launch of the vivo Y300 phone, featuring a new generation super speaker developed in partnership with AAC Technologies. Official posters show the speaker integrated into the rear camera module, showcasing a unique and retro design. The vivo Y300 will prioritize audio output, aiming to offer a superior music experience. This daring design's success will depend on its actual sound quality and user aesthetic preferences. It also prompts reflection on the future of phone speaker design will more manufacturers integrate speakers with other components? This reflects phone manufacturers' pursuit of differentiation in a competitive market.

4. Deliberate Motherboard Damage for New Phone Fraud: OPPO and Police Crack Down on New Scam

On December 10th, OPPO's legal department Weibo account shared a case publicized by the Supreme People's Procuratorate, detailing a new type of fraud. Yang Mou and others in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, damaged phone motherboards to fraudulently obtain new devices for profit. OPPO collaborated with the police to successfully crack down on this criminal activity, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects. This case exposes a new type of phone fraud, reminding consumers to be vigilant and advocating for better oversight of phone repair and after-sales service. It also demonstrates the positive cooperation between manufacturers and law enforcement in combating crime and protecting consumer rights. Consumers should purchase phones through legitimate channels and properly safeguard their devices and related documentation to avoid similar scams.

5. Avita 06 Convertible Spotted, Featuring a Five-Door, B-pillar-less Design

On December 10th, spy photos of the Avita 06 convertible surfaced online. The vehicle features a five-door, B-pillar-less design, showcasing a unique aesthetic. This suggests Avita is expanding its product line into the convertible market. Specific configurations and launch dates are yet unknown, but the leaks have generated significant market interest. The Avita 06 convertibles success will depend on its overall capabilities and market demand for convertibles.

6. BYD Fangcheng Leopard "Titanium 3" to Launch Next Year, Followed by Other Rugged Family Vehicles

BYD Fangcheng Leopard officially announced on December 11th in a "Q&A" session that its first vehicle, the "Titanium 3," will launch in the first half of 2025, with plans to release other rugged family vehicles. This highlights BYD's strategy in the rugged SUV market and reflects confidence in future market prospects. Specific details about the "Titanium 3" are still pending, but its launch will further diversify BYD's product portfolio. This also reflects the increasing intensity of competition in the new energy vehicle market and the ongoing efforts of manufacturers in product development and market expansion.

7. Tesla Cybertruck Completes MIIT Energy Consumption Measurement Declaration, 618km Range

On December 11th, the Tesla Cybertruck completed its energy consumption measurement declaration with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The declared data shows energy consumption of 22.6 kWh per 100km and a range of 618km. This suggests the vehicle's imminent entry into the Chinese market, offering consumers a longer-range electric pickup truck option. The Tesla Cybertruck's unique design and powerful performance have garnered considerable attention. Its success in the Chinese market will depend on its pricing strategy, marketing, and consumer acceptance.

8. Xiaomi's Vela System Code Officially Open-Sourced, OpenVela Launches on GitHub

Xiaomi has officially open-sourced its Vela system code, naming it OpenVela and making it available for download on GitHub. The OpenVela operating system focuses on the AIoT field, emphasizing lightweight design, standard compatibility, security, and high scalability. Xiaomi's decision to open-source Vela aims to collaborate with developers and propel the advancement of the AIoT sector. This action reflects Xiaomis commitment to fostering an open-source ecosystem and is expected to attract more developers to participate in Vela's development and application, positively contributing to AIoT technology development.

9. China Railway 12306: Third-Party Platform's "Spring Festival Travel Rush Ticket Sales Begin" Claim is Pure Marketing Hype

On December 11th, the official China Railway 12306 WeChat account issued a statement refuting a third-party platform's claims about the start of Spring Festival travel rush ticket sales and 90-day advance booking. The statement labeled these claims as pure marketing hype. This reminds consumers to use official channels when purchasing train tickets to avoid scams. The 12306 statement protects its brand image and regulates the marketing practices of third-party platforms.

10. CAAM: November New Energy Vehicle Sales Reach 1.512 Million Units, Year-on-Year Growth of 47.4%

Data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) on December 11th shows that November's new energy vehicle production and sales reached 1.566 million and 1.512 million units respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 45.8% and 47.4%. New energy vehicle sales accounted for 45.6% of total new vehicle sales. This demonstrates the continued rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle market and its strong development momentum. The rapid development of new energy vehicles is also driving the growth of related industries and contributing to China's economic growth.

11. Musk: If Tesla Becomes Most Valuable Company, Bill Gates Could Go Bankrupt Due to Short Selling

On December 11th, Elon Musk posted on X, stating that if Tesla's stock price continues to rise, global short sellers, including potentially Bill Gates, could be wiped out. This statement reflects Musk's confidence in Tesla's future and has sparked market attention on Tesla's stock price trends. Musk's... (The provided text cuts off here.)