WeChat’s Native AI Assistant “XiaoWei” Just Went Live in Stealth Mode
As of June 21, word on the street is that WeChat’s built-in AI has quietly started rolling out to a select group of users. If you’ve noticed a tiny eye-shaped icon popping up in the top-left corner of your app, that’s actually your gateway to the “XiaoWei” beta. According to WeChat support, XiaoWei is a native AI tool being tested behind closed doors. It lets you control core WeChat features just by chatting—whether via text or voice. Think sending messages on behalf of friends, browsing Moments, or booking appointments, all without leaving the conversation.
Nobel Laureate John Jumper Makes a Major Jump to Anthropic
On June 19, veteran research scientist John Jumper dropped some big news: he’s packing his bags at Google DeepMind and heading straight to AI startup Anthropic. He shared the update live on X, writing, “After nearly nine incredible years, it’s time for me to step away from DeepMind and join Anthropic.” For those who missed it, Jumper recently shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside DeepMind colleague Demis Hassabis and David Baker from the University of Washington. This move definitely shakes up the current AI landscape.
NetEase Cloud Music Confirms AI Companion App “Miaoshi” Is Closing Shop—Here’s Why
Recent market tracking confirms that NetEase Cloud Music just announced its AI emotional companion app, “Miaoshi,” will officially shut down on July 14. The company made it clear that new sign-ups, top-ups, and membership purchases are already paused. Once the closure date hits, every feature will go dark. If you’ve got leftover Miaoshi coins, Cookie tokens, electric waves, or active memberships, don’t worry—you can still request a full refund via email before August 14.
Back when Miaoshi launched in December 2022, it was initially rolled out under the name “MUS” before getting a rebrand. Everyone thought it was NetEase’s bold play to break into the social networking space. Its biggest selling point? Delivering a deeply immersive, hyper-realistic AI companionship experience. Users could chat, share updates, and even get recommendations for local hangouts like Livehouses and music festivals. As for why it’s being shelved? NUPIAO’s team confirmed with customer support on June 21 that it’s simply part of a broader strategic pivot—not a failure, just a business realignment.
ALS Fighter Cai Lei Steps Into Frame, Uses AI Voice Tech to Deliver Powerful “Countdown” Speech
On World ALS Day, June 21, inspiring advocate Cai Lei unveiled a deeply moving video titled “Countdown.” In the clip, he appears on screen as a determined hero, declaring, “I can already hear the final countdown to victory.” His message is simple but powerful: he’s calling on everyone to band together and race against the clock to beat this disease. Cai shares a personal detail that really sticks with you—he keeps four clocks around his room so he never loses track of time, no matter which way he turns. For him, that constant ticking isn’t just noise; it’s his personal reminder to keep fighting.
