Doubao Adds Remote PC Control via Phone
On August 17, Doubao rolled out a product update, adding a remote PC control feature to its “work tasks” mode. Once authorized under the same account, users can issue task commands from their mobile devices, and the linked PC can read local files and operate software to complete the execution, with progress and results fed back to the phone in real time. This helps users automate tasks during commutes, away from their desks, or in other scenarios — a genuine productivity boost for busy days.
iPhone 17 Series Could See Global Price Hikes Before Month-End
On August 17, Pear Video cited insider supply chain sources saying Apple plans to complete price adjustments for the iPhone 17 series across all global regions before the end of August 2026, with the maximum increase per model capped at under 1,000 RMB. The adjustment standard could follow the pricing plan previously implemented in Japan.
A week earlier, Global Times cited MacRumors in reporting that Apple might begin adjusting iPhone 17 series prices as early as August 10 — ahead of the next-generation flagship iPhone 18 Pro launch next month. However, as of press time, Apple has not officially announced any price hike for the iPhone 17 series.
Unitree to List on STAR Market August 19
Unitree announced on August 17 that its shares will be listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s STAR Market on August 19, 2026.
The same day, Unitree unveiled its “Superman” humanoid robot, claiming it breaks the limits of human capability. With 0.85-meter legs, it can jump 2 meters from a standing position and reach a top speed of 12.66 m/s — surpassing world records for both standing vertical jump and sprint speed. The company says the new machine was developed in just over three months, and there’s still plenty of room for refinement in the months ahead.
Alibaba Sells Lingxi Interactive, Reaches Deal with Trustar Capital
On August 17, according to a report from The Beijing News, Lingxi Interactive CEO Zhou Bingshu sent an internal letter confirming that, after multiple rounds of thorough communication and deep negotiation, Alibaba Group and Trustar Capital have formally reached a transaction agreement. Under the terms, Alibaba will transfer its shares in Lingxi Interactive, and Trustar Capital will become the new shareholder of the company.
Meituan Launches 2027 Campus Recruitment, Adding Dozens of AI-Native Positions
On August 17, Meituan kicked off its 2027 campus recruitment drive, targeting graduates worldwide graduating between November 2026 and October 2027. The company is opening over 100 roles across 10 major categories — including technology, product, business analysis, operations, retail, and sales — spanning dozens of cities globally, from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong to Riyadh and beyond.
Compared to previous years, Meituan has added more than ten AI-native roles this year, such as AI full-stack engineer, AI product manager, and intelligent business analyst. Over 80% of job descriptions explicitly require AI-related capabilities. A Meituan recruitment lead noted that this year’s hiring focuses on talent with an “AI Native” mindset — people who proactively think about how to leverage AI in daily work to solve problems, boost collaboration and service capabilities, while also diving into the business frontline to uncover real issues and drive solutions.
Nvidia Announces $1.5B Investment in SB Energy
On August 17, Nvidia announced a $1.5 billion investment in SB Energy, an AI infrastructure developer, to support its business expansion and AI computing infrastructure buildout. This investment makes Nvidia an investor in SB Energy alongside SoftBank Group and OpenAI.
Nvidia also announced a partnership with SB Energy to secure land, power, and data center shell construction capacity at the PORTS-Pike technology park in Pike County, Ohio, for hosting Nvidia’s computing resources. OpenAI will serve as the anchor customer, with SB Energy responsible for building, owning, and operating the data centers, signing a 20-year lease with OpenAI. The project plans an AI factory capacity of 8 IT-GW, with the first phase deploying 4.25 IT-GW. Nvidia holds an option to utilize the remaining 3.75 IT-GW of capacity.
ByteDance’s Paid Fiction App Hongzhu Story Officially Shuts Down
Just over a month after announcing it would cease operations, ByteDance’s paid reading app Hongzhu Story officially shut down its servers on August 17, and users can no longer log in or use the application.
That same day, a search for “Hongzhu Story” in the Apple App Store returned no relevant results. However, some users noted on social platforms that the app was still searchable and downloadable from Xiaomi’s app store — though launching it immediately triggers an in-app “Service Shutdown Notice.”
Biren Technology: H1 Revenue Up 1852%-2107% Year-on-Year
Biren Technology announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that it expects first-half revenue of approximately RMB 1.15 billion to RMB 1.3 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 1852% to 2107%. The company’s loss and loss attributable to owners during the period is expected to be approximately RMB 320 million to RMB 400 million, narrowing significantly by about 75% to 80% year-on-year. Adjusted loss for the period (a non-IFRS measure) is expected to be approximately RMB 290 million to RMB 360 million, narrowing by about 35% to 47% year-on-year.
