Daily Tech Roundup: Germany to Cut Huawei From 5G Network, Future of AI-Powered Learning Gadgets in China

The Daily Tech Roundup features the top technology news in China and Asia.

A recent article delves into the effectiveness of AI-powered learning gadgets, such as point-and-read pens, electronic dictionaries, and tutor machines, often found ineffective over time. However, new AI-powered learning tablets have garnered attention for reportedly improving children's exam scores. Post-2021, when China banned after-school tutoring, these educational hardware devices saw a boom, with 4.7 million learning tablets sold last year. A survey indicated that nearly 70% of parents are inclined to buy these gadgets for their children. Despite positive feedback suggesting improved efficiency in mastering knowledge, there's uncertainty about whether these can replace in-person tutoring [para. 3][para. 4][para. 5].

Germany's ruling coalition has decided to remove Huawei and ZTE components from its 5G core mobile network by the end of 2026, citing national security concerns. By the end of 2029, these components will also need to be removed from the 5G access and transport network. This decision came after extending the deadline to implement the first phase by one year due to differences within the coalition on the proposal's strictness [para. 6][para. 7][para. 8].

While AI-generated music has seen significant investments in the U.S., China adopts a more targeted approach. Chinese initiatives in AI music primarily focus on improving song recommendation algorithms and providing soundtracks for short videos rather than creating chart-topping hits. Experts note that AI in music creation remains underdeveloped, more useful for predicting potential commercial success than actual music production [para. 9][para. 10].

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command (STC) in China has shown unusual support for developing the low-altitude economy after the central government signaled more airspace would open for civilian use. The STC air force plans to collaborate with Guangdong's government to address issues like low-altitude airspace classification and coordination among various sectors [para. 11][para. 12].

Chenqi Technology Ltd., which runs the ride-sharing platform OnTime, saw its shares close 3.14% below its IPO price on its first trading day in Hong Kong, raising $124 million. Despite an initial 14% drop, shares closed at HK$33.90, positioning the company's market cap at HK$6.92 billion. Of the 30 million shares offered, 77% were acquired by cornerstone investors, including Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group and autonomous driving companies Pony.ai, WeRide Corp., and Didi Global’s self-driving unit Voyager Group [para. 13][para. 14][para. 15].