Tech News Roundup: December 29, 2024

Tech News Roundup: December 29, 2024Sunday, December 29th, 2024 saw a flurry of significant tech news. Let's recap the highlights:1

Tech News Roundup: December 29, 2024

Sunday, December 29th, 2024 saw a flurry of significant tech news. Let's recap the highlights:

1. iPhone 17 Standard Models May Feature High Refresh Rate Displays

Digital blogger @DigitalChatStation reported, citing supply chain information, that the standard iPhone 17 models will likely feature high refresh rate displays. While the exact refresh rate (90Hz or 120Hz) remains unclear, this news has generated considerable excitement among Apple fans. A higher refresh rate would significantly improve user experience, providing smoother and more refined visuals. This represents a significant upgrade for Apple, a company known for its focus on user experience, and will boost the iPhone 17's competitiveness in the high-end smartphone market. While the reliability of this information needs further confirmation, it adds intrigue to the upcoming iPhone 17 launch.

2. HarmonyOS-Native WeChat App Receives 1.0.3.35 Update with Merge-and-Forward Feature

The HarmonyOS-native WeChat app launched a test version update (1.0.3.35 (1049379)) on December 28th on the Huawei AppGallery, running until January 15th, 2025. This update adds a message merge-and-forward function, improving user efficiency and experience. As a hugely popular app, WeChat's optimization on HarmonyOS has been closely watched. This update strengthens the integration between WeChat and HarmonyOS, offering users a smoother and more convenient experience. It also signifies Huawei's continued efforts in building its HarmonyOS ecosystem, aiming to enhance user loyalty and compete with other operating systems. Further improvements and optimizations are planned.

3. Honor Completes Major Share Reform and Name Change, IPO Possible

According to the Securities Times, Honor successfully completed its shareholding reform on December 28th, initiated in Q4 2024, changing its name to "Honor Terminal Co., Ltd." Sources suggest an IPO may follow. This marks a new development phase for Honor, crucial for its future growth. An IPO would provide significant opportunities and funding for continued innovation and market expansion, strengthening Honor's position in the Chinese smartphone market. Honor's successful transformation serves as a model for other domestic tech companies.

4. Xiaomi Auto Gifts SU7 Owners New Year Cards and Valve Caps

Xiaomi Auto's official Weibo announced that all Xiaomi SU7 owners and those who complete their orders before 23:59:59 on December 31st, 2024, will receive a New Year's card and four "Xiaomi Life valve caps (Are you OK hand gesture version)." This gesture shows appreciation and festive greetings, highlighting Xiaomi Auto's focus on user experience and emotional connection. This meticulous service enhances brand image, strengthens user loyalty, and gives Xiaomi Auto a competitive edge. This proactive approach offers valuable marketing lessons for other automakers.

5. vivo OriginOS 5 Adds "Screen Only Ban" Option for Shake-to-Open Ads

vivo officially announced that OriginOS 5 now includes a system-level "Screen Only Ban" option, allowing users to control shake-to-open ad redirects more effectively. This aims to better protect user privacy and improve user experience, addressing concerns about ads. This update demonstrates vivo's responsiveness to user feedback and commitment to system optimization and privacy protection. It also enhances the competitiveness of OriginOS and attracts more users. This user-centric improvement deserves emulation by other phone manufacturers.

6. Leaked Images Reveal Rear of Avatr M8, Possibly Featuring M9's Starry Sky Headlights

Recent spy shots have revealed more details of the Avatr M8, including its rear design. It is speculated that the M8 will use the same starry sky headlights as the Avatr M9, enhancing the vehicle's distinctiveness and aesthetics. These leaks have increased consumer interest and market buzz around the Avatr M8. More information awaits official release.

7. Top 10 Hollywood Films in Mainland China in 2024 Released

Data from Beacon Professional Edition shows that Hollywood films grossed a total of 6.273 billion yuan in Mainland China in 2024. The top 10 include Godzilla vs. Kong 2: Empire of the Rising, Alien: Covenant, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and others. This data reflects the vibrancy of the Mainland Chinese film market and the continued influence of Hollywood films.

8. Qualcomm's Next-Gen SM8850 Processor Production Reportedly Accelerated, Using TSMC's N3P Process

Blogger @DigitalChatStation revealed that production of Qualcomm's next-generation SM8850 processor has been accelerated and will likely utilize TSMC's N3P process. This suggests a possible earlier release of phones featuring this chip. The SM8850, as Qualcomm's next flagship processor, is highly anticipated for its performance and efficiency improvements. The reliability of this information needs further verification, but it adds excitement to the mobile phone market.

9. Xiaomi's Lu Weibing Denies Plans for a "REDMI Car"

Xiaomi Group President Lu Weibing, in his annual summary event, explicitly stated that there are currently no plans for a Redmi car. Xiaomi is focusing on the YU7 SUV, scheduled for mass production in June-July of next year. This clarifies previous speculation.

10. Xiaomi SU7 Achieves Over 130,000 Deliveries in its First Year, Exceeding Targets

Xiaomi Auto announced that the Xiaomi SU7 surpassed 130,000 deliveries in its first year, exceeding its annual target. This demonstrates strong market performance and Xiaomi's rapid growth in the automotive sector.

This concludes our tech news recap for December 29th, 2024. Stay tuned for further updates.