January 23rd, 2025 Tech News Roundup: Samsung S25 Launch, WeChat Upgrade, Xiaomi's Lunar New Year Activities & More

January 23rd, 2025 Tech News Roundup: Samsung S25 Launch, WeChat Upgrade, Xiaomi's Lunar New Year Activities & MoreHello everyone, today is Thursday, January 23rd, 2025. Let's review the hottest tech news from last night and this morning

January 23rd, 2025 Tech News Roundup: Samsung S25 Launch, WeChat Upgrade, Xiaomi's Lunar New Year Activities & More

Hello everyone, today is Thursday, January 23rd, 2025. Let's review the hottest tech news from last night and this morning.

I. Samsung Galaxy S25/S25+ Launch: AI-Powered, Starting at 6499

At Samsung Galaxy's global product launch on January 23rd, the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 series made its official debut. The series includes three models: Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ being the highlights of the launch. The new models will reportedly feature powerful AI capabilities, providing users with a smarter and more convenient mobile experience. The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ is 6499. This launch is undoubtedly a major event in the mobile phone industry, and the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series will further intensify competition in the high-end smartphone market. For more details, please check here.

II. WeChat iOS Version Grey-Scale Tests "System Phone Answering" Feature, Bidding Farewell to CallKit

After the recent update to version 8.0.55, the WeChat iOS version has begun large-scale grey-scale testing of a new feature "Answer voice and video calls using the system phone." Developer Netskao discovered through reverse engineering that this feature no longer relies on the previous CallKit solution but instead uses the new LiveCommunicationKit interface in iOS 17.4+. This change signifies an upgrade in WeChat's call function's underlying architecture, potentially leading to a more stable and smoother calling experience and improving the overall user experience during calls. Users can follow official WeChat announcements for updates on this feature's progress and official launch date. For more details, please check here.

III. Xiaomi's Lei Jun Releases Year of the Snake Lunar New Year WeChat Emojis, Limited Edition Red Envelopes Launched Simultaneously

On January 22nd, Xiaomi officially released a set of Year of the Snake Lunar New Year WeChat emojis designed by CEO Lei Jun, totaling 16 expressions, available for free download. Notably, this is Lei Jun's third set of New Year's greetings emojis after the 2021 Year of the Ox and 2024 Year of the Dragon, continuing his tradition of sending New Year's wishes to users. Limited edition red envelopes were also launched simultaneously, adding to the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year. Interested users can download them from official Xiaomi channels. For more details, please check here.

IV. Xiaomi 15 Customized "Lunar New Year Gift" Edition On Sale, Rose Red Colorway, Subsidized Price of 4499

Following the Lunar New Year holiday, the Xiaomi 15 customized edition phone launched a "Lunar New Year Gift" colorway on January 22nd. This phone features a 16GB+512GB memory combination, originally priced at 4999, but with a national subsidy, the final price is 4499, along with a bonus of 1000 double-person movie tickets. The launch of the "Lunar New Year Gift" colorway adds a festive touch to this phone, attracting many consumers. This move also shows Xiaomi's active participation in the national subsidy policy and its commitment to rewarding users. For more details, please check here.

V. Microsoft Microsoft 365 Copilot Rebranding Sparks Controversy: Blurry Icons on Low-Resolution Displays

Tech media outlet Windows Central reported on January 21st that Microsoft's redesigned Microsoft 365 Copilot icon displays poorly on low-resolution displays (such as 24-inch 1080P monitors), with the icon text being almost illegible. This news has sparked industry discussion regarding Microsoft's rebranding strategy and serves as a reminder for software developers to fully consider user experience across different resolutions, avoiding brand design impacting user experience. This incident highlights the adaptability issues of user interface design on different devices and resolutions, requiring more attention and improvement in the future. For more details, please check here.

VI. China's Navy's First 054B Frigate, "Luohe Ship," Commissioned, Approximately 5000 Tons Displacement

China's domestically built new generation frigate, the "Luohe Ship" (hull number 545), was officially commissioned recently. The ship has a displacement of approximately 5000 tons, with significantly enhanced performance, marking new progress in China's naval equipment construction. The commissioning of the "Luohe Ship" will further enhance China's naval strength, safeguard national maritime rights, and contribute to maintaining national security and regional stability. For more details, please check here.

VII. Midea Group Advocates for Simplified Work Methods, Bans After-Hours Meetings

Midea Group recently issued a document emphasizing the simplification of work methods, prohibiting after-hours meetings, and resolutely eliminating formalistic overtime. The document states that any work not centered on users, business, or the frontline, that does not generate value or increase revenue, is considered performative work and should be decisively simplified by all employees, freeing up time for more valuable work. Midea's new measures reflect its emphasis on work-life balance for employees and its pursuit of efficiency improvement and value creation. For more details, please check here.

VIII. New Tesla Model Y Real Car Photos Re-Exposed, Retaining Turn Signal Stalk

Real car photos of the new Tesla Model Y were recently re-exposed, revealing more details. Judging from the rear badge, the exposed vehicle is not the initial production version but one close to mass production. The exposed images show that the new Model Y retains the turn signal stalk, contradicting some previous market rumors. More details about the new Model Y will require further confirmation from Tesla. For more details, please check here.

IX. DingTalk Fully Supports iOS/HarmonyOS NEXT System CallKit Functionality

DingTalk officially announced on January 22nd that it fully supports the iOS and HarmonyOS NEXT system CallKit function, ensuring that voice calls won't be missed even if the phone is locked. This further enhances DingTalk's call function stability and user experience, allowing users to answer important calls promptly. DingTalk's move also reflects its emphasis on compatibility with different operating systems and its continuous improvement of user experience. For more details, please check here.

X. ByteDance to Build a Sino-Foreign Joint Venture Tertiary Hospital in Beijing's Chaoyang District, with 800 Beds

The Beijing Municipal Health Commission's website published an approval on January 16th, agreeing to Douyin Group's construction of the Beijing AiRui Hospital (tentative name), a sino-foreign joint venture tertiary hospital with 800 beds in Chaoyang District. This marks ByteDance's further expansion into the healthcare sector and will provide better medical services to Beijing residents in the future. For more details, please check here.

XI. Lei Jun: Xiaomi Actively Cooperates with National Subsidy Policy, Guarantees Supply

The Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments recently issued a document providing subsidies for digital products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches (bands) and home appliances, with consumers receiving up to 500 in subsidies. Lei Jun posted on Weibo on January 22nd, stating that Xiaomi will actively cooperate with the national subsidy policy, fully ensuring supply and providing more benefits for consumers. Xiaomi's positive response demonstrates the company's support for national policies and its positive attitude towards market development. For more details, please check here.

XII. WeChat Pay Quietly Supports Apple Pay Overseas

According to feedback from Xiaohongshu users, WeChat Pay has quietly started supporting Apple Pay in overseas regions. The methods for activating this function vary; some users claim that they need to bind a non-mainland phone number and verify their passport, while others claim only passport verification is needed. WeChat Pay's move expands its payment methods in overseas markets, providing more convenience for users. For more details, please check here.

XIII. Amap Officially Launches China's First English Map for Overseas Users

Amap officially announced on January 22nd the official launch of China's first English map for overseas users. Although the official statement mentions it is currently in the beta testing phase and is only available to overseas users visiting China, this move still represents a crucial step in Amap's internationalization strategy, providing more convenient map services for foreign tourists visiting China. For more details, please check here.

That's all for today's tech news, see you tomorrow!