Major Tech News: iPhone 17 Design Revamp, Jidu Auto's Funding Troubles, and More

Major Tech News: iPhone 17 Design Revamp, Jidu Auto's Funding Troubles, and MoreFriday, December 13th, 2024 saw a flurry of significant events in the tech world. From the rumored innovative design of Apple's iPhone 17 series to the financial struggles of Jidu Auto, the joint venture between Baidu and Geely, and other major developments from tech giants, let's recap the key news overnight

Major Tech News: iPhone 17 Design Revamp, Jidu Auto's Funding Troubles, and More

Friday, December 13th, 2024 saw a flurry of significant events in the tech world. From the rumored innovative design of Apple's iPhone 17 series to the financial struggles of Jidu Auto, the joint venture between Baidu and Geely, and other major developments from tech giants, let's recap the key news overnight.

I. Apple iPhone 17 Series May Adopt a New Horizontal Bar Camera Module Design

According to a Weibo blogger citing supply chain information, the Apple iPhone 17 series will feature a novel horizontal bar triple-camera layout. Following the tradition since the iPhone 11, standard models are expected to retain a dual-camera system, while Pro and higher-end models will adopt the triple-camera design. While specifics of the camera arrangement haven't been fully revealed, the "bar track" design concept is confirmed. This design change has generated considerable attention, and it's anticipated that numerous Android manufacturers will follow suit next year, initiating a new trend in smartphone camera module design. This alteration isn't merely an aesthetic upgrade; it may also signify a breakthrough in Apple's imaging technology, making it a development worth watching. The precise imaging quality and its impact on overall phone performance await further confirmation through official announcements and professional reviews.

II. NVIDIA Denies Rumors of Supply Cuts to the Chinese Market

In response to recent online rumors of NVIDIA cutting off supplies to the Chinese market, NVIDIA China issued a statement on December 12th clarifying the situation. The statement emphasized that China is a crucial market for NVIDIA, and the company remains committed to providing high-quality and efficient products and services to Chinese customers. This move aims to stabilize market confidence and further underscore NVIDIA's commitment to the Chinese market. This is undoubtedly positive news for Chinese businesses and consumers reliant on NVIDIA's technology and products.

III. Baidu and Geely Backpay November Social Security for Jidu Auto Employees

According to Jiemian News, Jidu Auto CEO Xia Yiping, along with representatives from Baidu and Geely, held a closed-door meeting on the evening of December 12th. They reached an agreement, and Baidu and Geely have initiated internal transfer processes to backpay November's social security for Jidu employees. This event indicates that despite facing financial pressure, Baidu and Geely prioritize employee welfare and are actively seeking solutions. However, it also reignites concerns about Jidu Auto's financial status.

IV. Xiaomi Invests $10 billion in its Automotive Business: Lu Weibing Calls it the "Entry Fee"

Xiaomi Group Partner and President Lu Weibing announced on December 12th that Lei Jun has committed $10 billion to the automotive business. This substantial investment is considered a necessary entry fee into the highly competitive automotive market. Lu Weibing emphasized that the automotive business is a critical component of the Xiaomi ecosystem and must be fully integrated into the Xiaomi system. This move demonstrates Xiaomi's determination and confidence in entering the automotive industry and suggests even fiercer competition in the future new energy vehicle market. The $10 billion investment highlights Xiaomi's commitment to the automotive industry and reflects its assessment of the future market prospects.

V. 2024 Huawei Developer Conference to be Held in Shenzhen from December 28th to 30th

The official Huawei Developer Club announced that the 2024 Huawei Developer Conference will be held in Shenzhen from December 28th to 30th, under the theme "A Colorful World." This conference will serve as a platform for Huawei fans to interact and celebrate together. The Huawei Developer Conference has become an important communication bridge between Huawei and its fans, reflecting Huawei's strategy of valuing its user base and actively maintaining user relationships.

VI. vivo and OPPO Integrate Quick Apps with Their Own Payment Platforms, Discontinuing Default Support for WeChat and Alipay by Year-End

vivo and OPPO are integrating their Quick Apps with their own payment platforms and will discontinue default support for WeChat and Alipay interfaces by the end of the year. Payment platforms will be integrated as service providers, using an app payment collection method that directly connects to payment institutions. Developers can access the payment functions of third-party payment institutions like WeChat Pay and Alipay through the payment platform and implement payment functions and order management in Quick Apps. This move signifies that vivo and OPPO are actively building their own mobile payment ecosystems, strengthening their control over users and payment processes. This will have an impact on user payment habits and the competitive landscape.

VII. The Average Age of Porsche Owners in China is Just 37

Porsche Chairman Oliver Blume revealed that the average age of Porsche owners in China is only 37, with 51% being female, and an average annual household income of 3 million yuan (approximately $410,000 USD). This data indicates the rapid growth of China's high-end consumer market and the evolving spending power and habits of the younger generation. It also reflects Porsche's success in the Chinese market and its precise market positioning.

VIII. Xiaomi to Launch Multiple Air Conditioners, Including Central Air Conditioning, Mid-Next Year

Xiaomi's first smart home appliance factory broke ground in Wuhan, Hubei Province in November, with large-scale production expected in 2026. This signifies a new phase of development for Xiaomi's large home appliance business, and the company plans to launch multiple air conditioner products, including central air conditioning, in mid-2025. This marks Xiaomi's further expansion in the smart home sector, solidifying its position within its smart ecosystem.

IX. Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 2025 Edition Tablet Launches

The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025 edition tablet, launched in November, recently began its initial sales, priced from 5,099 yuan (approximately $700 USD). The tablet boasts a 144Hz flexible OLED notch screen, a 50-megapixel rear camera, various eye protection modes, and convenient unlocking methods. The launch further enriches Huawei's tablet product line and enhances its competitiveness in the high-end tablet market.

X. ByteDance Posts Anti-"Internet Jargon" Comics in Restrooms

Recently, numerous netizens reported that ByteDance posted anti-"internet jargon" comics in restrooms, humorously guiding employees to avoid ambiguous professional terms and promoting clear and concise communication. This action reflects ByteDance's emphasis on internal communication efficiency and teamwork, and represents an innovative approach to corporate culture building.

XI. Microsoft Tests New Feature: Seamless File Sharing Between iPhone and Windows PC

Microsoft announced a new feature for Windows that will enable convenient file sharing between iPhones and Windows PCs, similar to Apple's AirDrop. This feature will break Apple AirDrop's exclusivity and significantly enhance interoperability between devices running different operating systems.

XII. OpenAI ChatGPT Global Outage Impacts Apple iOS 18.2 Siri Integration

OpenAI confirmed a global outage of its AI chatbot ChatGPT, preventing users from accessing the service and affecting the integration of ChatGPT with Apple's iOS 18.2 Siri functionality. This event highlights the stability of large language model services and their potential impact on dependent services.

XIII. Less Than 1% of EV Owners Want to Switch Back to Gas-Powered Cars

A study by the Global Electric Vehicle Drivers Alliance (GEVA) revealed that less than 1% of electric vehicle owners expressed a desire to switch back to gasoline-powered vehicles. This data strongly supports the continued growth of the electric vehicle market and consumer acceptance of electric vehicles.

XIV. Jidu Auto's Funding Crisis: Baidu and Geely Halt Investment, 3 Billion Yuan Funding Fails to Materialize

Jidu Auto CEO Xia Yiping admitted the company is facing financial difficulties and announced departmental mergers and project cuts. Insiders revealed that major shareholders Baidu and Geely are unwilling to continue investing, and the promised 3 billion yuan (approximately $410 million USD) in funding has not been secured, which is the main reason for the company's predicament. Jidu Auto's predicament serves as a warning to the new energy vehicle industry, highlighting the importance of financial management and shareholder support.

That's all for today's tech news. For more exciting content, stay tuned for tomorrow's "Tech Overnight."