Baidu files patent to decode animal sounds

Bilibili is rolling out a new video podcast support initiative featuring free studio access, traffic boosts, and an AI-driven tool that can reportedly generate videos from text or audio in under six minutes. Designed to streamline production for creators, the tool is said to have received strong early feedback.

TikTok is reportedly developing a separate version of its platform for US users ahead of a potential sale to American investors. The report, citing anonymous sources, comes as President Donald Trump signals talks with China over a possible TikTok deal, set to begin July 7 or 8.

PDD-owned Temu reported 416.5 million monthly active users and 70.5 million daily users in Q2 2025, up 68% and 65% YoY, respectively. While global downloads fell 7% to 113 million, the e-commerce platform reached a key milestone of one billion cumulative downloads, highlighting strong user retention despite slower new adoption.

TikTok Shop’s European summer promotion ended with recordbreaking results, as GMV surged 122% for fully managed sellers in the EU and more than 600% in the UK. Independently operated stores saw daily order volumes more than double. In the US, a new campaign has launched with early sales already surpassing first-half highs.

Baozun has reportedly acquired the China business of UK activewear brand Sweaty Betty, its third international brand deal after Gap and Hunter. The existing team managing Gap and Hunter will oversee operations, as Baozun continues to localize overseas brands using its design, supply chain, and retail capabilities. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

China and Brazil signed new cooperation agreements on July 5 to advance AI development and align strategic growth plans. The deals include a second-phase MoU linking China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s national programs and a pact to establish a joint AI application center, covering areas such as open-source tech, infrastructure, and talent development.

China’s blind box boom has spread into services, with businesses offering surprise meals and mystery travel at budget prices. Driven by social media and demand for novelty, the trend appeals to younger consumers facing decision fatigue but has raised concerns over addiction and repeat purchases, particularly among minors.

Tencent's Yuanbao AI assistant has launched a new feature that links user queries to relevant images and WeChat video tutorials. The updated search function delivers responses with both text and media, allowing users to view guides, ask follow-up questions, and access tutorials easily.

Meituan’s real-time retail orders surpassed 120 million on July 5, with food delivery alone accounting for over 100 million, according to company data. More than 20 million orders were placed in just two hours that evening, as the summer shopping season began and late-night demand surged during a peak promotional weekend.

Smartphone shipments in China fell 21.8% YoY in May to 23.7 million units, reversing a three-month rebound and marking the steepest decline this year. Domestic brands saw a 24.2% fall, while foreign brands like Apple slipped 9.7%, according to CAICT. Analysts cite delayed launches, economic strain, and paused subsidies, though new state funding is expected later this year.